NEET 2026 Paper Leak Row Deepens As Rahul Gandhi Targets Centre, Bengaluru Protest Planned
The controversy surrounding the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak continues to intensify, with political reactions, student concerns and ongoing investigations putting fresh pressure on the central government.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi over repeated examination paper leaks and asked why Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had not been removed despite multiple controversies during his tenure.
In a sharp post on social media, Rahul Gandhi compared the NEET 2024 and NEET 2026 incidents, accusing the government of repeatedly forming committees and ordering investigations without fixing the system permanently. Using the hashtag “#SackPradhan”, he questioned the Prime Minister’s silence over repeated exam irregularities affecting millions of students.
The issue has become even more sensitive after reports of three student suicides linked to the uncertainty and stress surrounding the examination process. Nearly 23 lakh candidates had registered for the exam conducted by the National Testing Agency before it was cancelled amid allegations of a paper leak. The re-examination is now scheduled for June 21.
Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation has intensified its probe and arrested nine people in connection with the case. Investigators claim leaked exam papers were circulated through organised networks involving middlemen, teachers and alleged insiders connected to the examination process.
A Delhi court has sent several accused, including an NTA panellist and retired educators, into CBI custody as investigators examine how confidential exam content was allegedly leaked and shared digitally before the test.
Political reactions have continued to grow across the country. Priyanka Chaturvedi criticised the government and demanded accountability at the highest level, while BJP leaders defended the Centre, stating that agencies acted swiftly once the leak was discovered.
Student protests are also gaining momentum. Youth Congress workers staged demonstrations in Chennai, while the Karnataka Youth Congress announced a “Raj Bhavan Chalo” protest march in Bengaluru on May 21 to demand action over the controversy.
Amid mounting criticism, the NTA has also made new senior-level administrative appointments as the agency faces growing scrutiny over the conduct and security of one of India’s biggest entrance examinations.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
