Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh Criticizes Government Over NEET Exam Issues
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has raised serious concerns regarding the National Testing Agency (NTA) following the cancellation of the NEET exam due to alleged paper leaks. He emphasized the need for a complete overhaul of the NTA to ensure the integrity of India's examination system. Ramesh's comments come after Sonia Gandhi underwent a routine medical checkup and returned home. He referenced a parliamentary report highlighting multiple irregularities in exams conducted by the NTA, underscoring the urgency for reform. The NEET-UG exam, which faced cancellation, is set to be rescheduled, raising further questions about the agency's effectiveness.
| May 13, 2026, 13:15 IST
Sonia Gandhi Returns Home After Medical Checkup
On Wednesday, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh announced that Sonia Gandhi, the chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, has undergone a routine medical examination at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram and has since returned home. Earlier that day, she was admitted to the hospital. Ramesh condemned the central government for the cancellation of the NEET exam due to alleged paper leaks, demanding a comprehensive restructuring of the National Testing Agency (NTA). He emphasized the need to keep the agency free from the corrupt influences of the Modi government to maintain the integrity of India's competitive examination system.
Concerns Over NTA's Effectiveness
In a post on X, Ramesh questioned the government's inaction despite acknowledging flaws in the NTA's capabilities. He referenced a statement made by the Education Minister on June 16, 2024, admitting that the NTA required significant improvements. Two years later, he raised concerns about what actions have been taken in response to this acknowledgment. It is becoming increasingly clear that not only improvements but a fundamental restructuring of the NTA and its mechanisms is essential to protect it from the corrupt elements of the Modi administration.
Parliamentary Report Highlights NTA Failures
Ramesh supported his claims by citing a parliamentary report that outlines the ongoing failures of the NTA. He pointed out that the recent paper leak and subsequent cancellation of the NEET-UG exam are the latest incidents in a series that raise questions about the agency's purpose and effectiveness. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports noted in its 371st report that out of 14 national examinations conducted by the NTA in 2024, five experienced paper leaks and irregularities.
NEET-UG Exam Cancellation Amid Allegations
These remarks come in the context of allegations of paper leaks and irregularities surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 exam, which the government canceled following the examination held on May 3. The government has announced that the exam will be rescheduled on dates to be notified later.