From village student to coaching baron: Who is Prof Shivraj Motegaonkar arrested in NEET-UG paper leak case?

Mumbai: For lakhs of science students across Maharashtra, particularly those preparing for NEET, JEE and MHT-CET, the name 'M Sir' or 'Motegaonkar Sir' became synonymous with chemistry coaching and competitive exam preparation.

Now, with his arrest in the NEET-UG paper leak case, the spotlight has shifted from his success story to the vast coaching network he built over the last two decades.

Prof Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar, founder of the Renukai Career Centre (RCC Pattern) coaching network, emerged from humble beginnings in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region.

Born on February 2, 1980 in Renapur in Latur district, into a farmer’s family, Motegaonkar went on to become a gold medal-winning M.Sc. Chemistry scholar before entering the education sector.

Over the years, he built a formidable reputation as a chemistry mentor and motivational academic figure. His teaching style, focused heavily on conceptual clarity and competitive exam strategy, resonated with students aspiring for engineering and medical admissions. Several of his lectures and motivational clips gained popularity on social media platforms, expanding his influence far beyond classroom walls.

At the centre of his operations is the Motegaonkar Campus in Renapur in Latur district—a region already known nationally for the 'Latur pattern' of intensive coaching and examination-oriented education.

Building the RCC Pattern network

The RCC Pattern, founded in 2003, became Motegaonkar’s flagship educational model. Initially focused on chemistry coaching, it later expanded into integrated preparation for NEET, JEE and MHT-CET examinations.

The network eventually spread across several Maharashtra cities including Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Nanded, Solapur, Kolhapur and Akola. Its model combined printed concept notes, intensive test series, scholarship programmes, app-based learning and hostel-linked preparation systems.

Education observers say the RCC Pattern capitalised on the growing demand for structured competitive exam preparation among middle-class and rural families seeking entry into professional courses.

Motegaonkar also cultivated a strong public profile through seminars, student interaction programmes and motivational events. Political circles in Maharashtra often viewed him as an influential figure in the private education sector, and he is considered close to several politicians across parties.

Under scanner after NEET case

The recent NEET-UG paper leak investigation has brought unprecedented scrutiny to the functioning of private coaching ecosystems linked to high-stakes entrance examinations.

Investigators are now examining the wider network and operational structure associated with Motegaonkar and RCC Pattern following his arrest in connection with the case.

While supporters describe him as a self-made educator who transformed coaching access for students from smaller towns, critics argue that the rapid commercialisation of competitive exam coaching has created immense pressure and opacity in the sector.

For now, the rise of Prof Motegaonkar—once celebrated as one of Maharashtra’s most influential coaching entrepreneurs—stands overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG investigation.