NEET Paper Leak: Education Minister Avoids Response, NTA Faces Criticism Over Alleged Misconduct
The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday canceled the NEET-UG 2026 exam due to allegations of a question paper leak, sparking widespread concern among students and opposition leaders. While Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan declined to respond directly to questions, the NTA failed to provide concrete details on the incident, leaving many in doubt about its legitimacy. Protesters demanded accountability, accusing the Centre of negligence, while opposition leaders criticized the government for undermining the nation’s educational aspirations.
Opposition leaders called for the resignation of the education minister and emphasized that the NEET exam had become a “poison period” for the country. They highlighted how lakhs of students faced financial burdens, mental stress, and systemic failures after the exam was canceled. Students argue that repeated paper leaks and corruption within the education system erode public trust in institutions. Meanwhile, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) and other organizations condemned the incident, urging stricter accountability and punishment for those responsible for the leaks.
Some NEET aspirants expressed frustration over the cancellation, questioning the integrity of the examination process. An individual criticized the NTA for failing to monitor the distribution of question papers, arguing that GPS-tracked vehicles used for transporting materials were not reliable. Another student pointed out that the exam represented not only the dreams of students but also the aspirations of their families, warning that repeating the same task would lead to further harm. The debate continues as authorities urge the Central Bureau of Investigation to investigate and punish those involved, ensuring transparency in future exams.
