Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Government Over NEET-UG 2026 Exam Cancellation
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has voiced strong criticism against the central government following the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 exam. He highlighted tragic incidents of student suicides linked to the cancellation and called for accountability from the government. Gandhi emphasized that these students are victims of a corrupt system and demanded justice for them. He also noted the alarming number of examination scams affecting millions of students. Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced a re-examination date, assuring students of the government's commitment to preventing malpractice. This article delves into Gandhi's statements and the broader implications for students across the nation.
May 15, 2026, 19:06 IST
Gandhi's Condemnation of NEET Exam Cancellation
On May 15, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his disapproval of the central government following the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 exam, which was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 3. He referenced reports of candidates' deaths linked to the exam's cancellation. In a post on X, he highlighted the despair of Ritik Mishra, a 21-year-old from Lakhimpur Kheri, who was attempting the NEET for the third time and felt devastated by the exam's abrupt cancellation.
Alarming Trends in Exam-Related Suicides
Gandhi further noted that another NEET candidate in Goa had taken their own life. He emphasized that these students were not failures but victims of a corrupt system. He described these incidents as murders committed by the system rather than mere suicides. According to him, between 2015 and 2026, there were 148 examination scams affecting nearly 90 million students, with 87 exams being canceled.
Calls for Accountability
Raising concerns about the lack of punishment for those involved, Gandhi pointed out that only one out of the 148 scams resulted in a conviction. He mentioned that the CBI has registered 17 cases and the ED 11, yet no one has faced consequences. Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he questioned how many more Ritiks would need to suffer for the Prime Minister to feel accountable.
Solidarity with Students
Expressing solidarity with the affected students, Gandhi stated, "My young friends, your pain is my pain. Your hard work is my hard work. Those who are stealing your future must be held accountable. No matter how long it takes, no one will be spared – this is my promise. We will fight this battle together – and we will win." Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination will take place on June 21. In a press conference, he assured students that the government is committed to preventing any recurrence of malpractice and protecting their interests.