Massive Protest in Thiruvananthapuram Against NEET-UG Exam Cancellation

Members of the Student Federation of India (SFI) organized a large protest march on Tuesday, reaching the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in Thiruvananthapuram. This demonstration was in response to the National Testing Agency's (NTA) decision to cancel the NEET-UG exam amid allegations of paper leaks and irregularities. The protest escalated into violence as demonstrators broke through police barricades and entered the office premises. Despite a heavy police presence, authorities struggled to manage the rising tensions between the protesters and law enforcement. Security personnel resorted to using water cannons to prevent the crowd from entering the office. A similar protest was also held in the capital, where demonstrators carried placards opposing the closure of newspapers. Police intervened to disperse the crowd, leading to clashes. The chants of the protesters echoed along the route as they shouted slogans against the paper leaks.

A significant controversy erupted following the central government's decision to cancel the NEET-UG 2026 exam, originally scheduled for May 3. This action was taken in light of allegations regarding paper leaks and irregularities. The government has referred the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough investigation into the claims. The National Testing Agency (NTA) stated that this decision was made after reviewing information obtained in coordination with central agencies. Concerns were raised about the integrity of the examination process based on the findings shared by law enforcement agencies. The NTA clarified that the registration data, candidate details, and exam center selections made by candidates for May 2026 will remain valid for the re-examination, eliminating the need for new registrations or additional fees.

Meanwhile, the situation has taken a political turn as Congress leader Sachin Pilot has called for the resignation of the education minister, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding the recurring irregularities in national-level examinations. He stated that the responsible department must take ownership of the issue. If such incidents continue to occur, the government should take action, regardless of the influence of those involved, whether they are associated with any organization, ideology, or political party.