What Sparked the Massive NEET-UG Protest in New Delhi? Students Demand Accountability!

A large-scale protest led by the National Students' Union of India erupted outside Shastri Bhawan in New Delhi, fueled by allegations of a paper leak in the NEET-UG exam. Participants, primarily from the Congress party's student wing, voiced their concerns through placards and slogans, demanding accountability from the government. The National Testing Agency has canceled the exam, citing the need for transparency. NSUI leaders claim this cancellation highlights serious irregularities in the examination process and call for immediate action against those responsible. The movement for educational justice continues as students seek to restore trust in the examination system.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 12, 2026, 16:24 IST

Protest Erupts Over NEET-UG Paper Leak Allegations

New Delhi: A significant demonstration led by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) took place outside Shastri Bhawan on Tuesday, protesting against the alleged leak of the NEET-UG exam papers this year.

Participants, primarily from the Congress party's student wing, displayed placards with messages such as 'PM compromised, paper compromised', 'paper leak, Modi sarkar weak', and 'doctor ki degree bikao hain' (doctor's degree is for sale).

Chants like 'chaatro pe attyachar bandh karo' (stop oppression of students) echoed through the area, despite heavy police presence and barricades.

The NEET-UG examination was conducted on May 3, after which claims of a paper leak emerged, prompting investigations by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and the CBI.

In response, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 exam, stating that it would be rescheduled at a later date.

The NTA clarified that this decision was made with the Government of India's approval to ensure transparency and maintain trust in the national examination framework.

The NSUI argued that the cancellation itself indicates significant irregularities and serious failures in the NEET examination process.

They further accused the central government of neglecting the future of countless diligent students.

"Today's cancellation of NEET is a triumph for student activism and reflects the voices of millions of aspirants nationwide. NSUI was among the first to highlight this issue and demand justice for students," stated NSUI National President Vinod Jakhar.

"If the examination system had been just, the government wouldn't have had to cancel the exam and initiate a CBI investigation. This clearly highlights the shortcomings of the education ministry and the NTA," he added.

Jakhar also called for the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and proposed a complete ban on the NTA, citing its repeated failures in conducting credible examinations.

The NSUI emphasized that ongoing controversies surrounding NEET have severely undermined students' trust in the examination system and vowed to continue their fight for educational justice and accountability until those responsible for the scandal are held accountable.