Protests Erupt Against NEET-UG 2026 Exam Cancellation Amid Allegations of Paper Leak

Protests Outside NTA Office

In response to the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 exam due to allegations of a paper leak, members of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) staged a protest outside the National Testing Agency (NTA) office, heavily guarded by security forces. The protesters carried symbolic locks and chains, holding placards while chanting slogans criticizing the NTA and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for their alleged mismanagement. They demanded justice for the affected candidates.

Accusing both the central government and the NTA of incompetence, the demonstrators called for the agency's closure and the resignation of the education minister, especially in light of the ongoing investigation into the matter. Tensions escalated as police detained several protesters during clashes.

Calls for Accountability and Action

Speaking to the media, one protester labeled the NTA as a 'national corruption agency' and urged the government to shut it down immediately. Expressing sorrow over candidates reportedly taking their own lives due to the exam cancellation, they demanded accountability from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the education minister, insisting on strict action against those responsible.

The protester stated, 'We are calling for the immediate closure of the NTA, as every exam they conduct faces paper leaks. They have a collusive arrangement and merely come to apologize to the youth. Who is responsible for the ongoing paper leaks in the country? Today, students are committing suicide; who is to blame for that? I want to ask the Prime Minister how he can sleep at night knowing that young lives are being lost.' They emphasized that Dharmendra Pradhan should take moral responsibility and resign.

Allegations Against the Government

Another protester accused the ruling party of mere theatrics without any real action against corruption. They reiterated the demand for the NTA's closure and the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, stating, 'Modi ji claims that those responsible for leaks will be uprooted, yet these incidents are happening with the involvement of BJP workers in Rajasthan, as reported by the media. The NSUI continues to raise its voice, but why is there no action? The BJP government only talks. This agency needs to be dismantled, and the minister must resign. It is their responsibility. Students are taking their lives due to your corrupt administration. You should be ashamed and immediately resign while apologizing to all these children.'