A student pursuing Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) has been arrested in Maharashtra’s Nashik in connection with the alleged leak of the NEET-UG 2026 question paper, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
The accused, identified as Shubham Khairnar, was arrested by the Nashik Crime Branch. Investigators allege that he purchased the leaked “guess paper” through the messaging platform Telegram by paying around ₹10 lakh and later shared it with a buyer based in Haryana.
The development comes as the Central Bureau of Investigation continues its probe into the nationwide controversy surrounding the alleged paper leak. According to reports, four CBI teams have arrived in Nashik to take custody of the accused and further investigate the source and circulation network linked to the leaked examination material.
The arrest has also led investigators to reconsider earlier assumptions regarding the origin of the leak. Initial reports had suggested that the question paper may have been leaked from a printing press in Nashik. However, police sources now indicate that the examination paper was not printed there, raising new questions about how the material was accessed and distributed.
The NEET-UG examination is one of India’s largest and most competitive entrance tests for undergraduate medical admissions. Allegations of leaks and irregularities have triggered concerns among students and parents regarding examination security and fairness.
Investigators are currently examining digital evidence, communication records, and financial transactions connected to the accused. Authorities are also attempting to identify additional individuals who may have been involved in the circulation of the leaked material across states.
The case has intensified scrutiny on the use of encrypted and messaging platforms in examination fraud networks. Officials are expected to continue questioning suspects and analysing online channels used to allegedly distribute the paper.
The CBI has not yet released an official statement detailing the wider scope of the investigation or the number of people under scrutiny. Further arrests are possible as the probe expands.
