NEET-UG 2026 Cancelled in India Amid Major Paper Leak Scandal
The National Testing Agency cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 medical entrance exam following severe paper leak allegations, impacting over 2.2 million students. Investigations revealed leaked questions matched a "guess paper," prompting the Central Bureau of Investigation to take over the probe and detain suspects in Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, strongly criticized the BJP government for negligence and corruption, labeling the era "poisonous" for youth. The incident has sparked widespread political backlash, student distress, and urgent demands for systemic educational reforms and accountability across India.
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Rahul Gandhi slams government over NEET aspirant exam centre mix-up in Abu Dhabi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on June 20, 2026, criticized the Modi government after a NEET-UG aspirant from Nagpur was mistakenly allocated an exam centre in Abu Dhabi for the June 21 re-test. The student's family reported he had no passport, no funds to travel abroad, and was left in distress, refusing to take the exam. The National Testing Agency (NTA) said it was correcting the error and would reassign a local centre in Nagpur. Gandhi accused the NTA of testing the patience of students and parents, calling the education system exploitative rather than supportive. He reiterated demands for a sensitive, accountable system and referenced his recent signature campaign on education issues like paper leaks and high fees. The NEET-UG 2026 exam was cancelled due to a paper leak, with a CBI inquiry underway.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.NEET-UG Paper Leak: Protesters in Mysuru Demand Abolition of NTA and Resignation of Union Minister
On June 19, 2026, members of the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) staged a protest in Mysuru, India, condemning the alleged leak of the NEET-UG 2026 question paper and the subsequent cancellation of the exam. The protesters demanded stringent action against those responsible, the abolition of the National Testing Agency (NTA), and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. AIDSO leaders criticized the exam system for repeated irregularities, the growing commercialization of education, and the financial burden on rural and economically weaker students. They also expressed concern over student suicides linked to exam pressure. The protest took place ahead of a scheduled re-test on June 20.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.AIDSO Demands Abolition of NTA and Resignation of Union Education Minister Over NEET Leak
The All India Democratic Students Organisation (AIDSO) staged a protest in Hosapete, Karnataka, on June 18, 2026, demanding the abolition of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET question paper leak controversy. Protesters submitted a memorandum to the Governor via the Tahsildar. AIDSO leaders alleged that nearly 23 lakh medical aspirants were affected by irregularities, with the question paper reportedly circulating on social media before the exam. They called for a thorough investigation, stringent action against those responsible, and criticized the commercialization of education. AIDSO district secretary U. Umadevi highlighted the financial burden on families spending up to ₹3 lakh annually on coaching. The organization demanded exemplary punishment for those involved and the minister's resignation on moral grounds.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Supreme Court defers hearing of plea challenging NEET-UG re-test to July
The Supreme Court of India on June 17, 2026, deferred to July the hearing of a plea challenging the National Testing Agency's (NTA) decision to re-conduct the NEET-UG 2026 examination for nearly 22 lakh candidates. The original exam, held on May 3, was cancelled nationwide on May 12 following allegations of a paper leak, prompting a CBI investigation. A fresh re-test is scheduled for June 21. The Bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana, directed the matter to be listed before Justice P.S. Narasimha's Bench, which is already hearing related cases. However, Justice Narasimha's Bench will only sit after July 13, effectively rendering the plea infructuous. The plea, filed by former DGHS official Dr. Mangala Kohli, argues that the blanket cancellation unfairly penalizes innocent candidates and seeks a stay on the re-test. It also calls for secure, technology-driven examination systems and an independent expert committee to review NTA's functioning.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Digvijaya Singh Urges PM Modi to Issue White Paper on NTA Exam Irregularities
Senior Congress leader and chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Digvijaya Singh, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the government to release a white paper documenting all paper leaks and irregularities in examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) over the past eight years, along with actions taken. This follows the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 exam on May 12 due to a paper leak, now under CBI investigation. Singh highlighted the lack of a consolidated public record of such cases, leading to rumors and student distress. He cited specific examples, including the main accused in the 2024 NEET-UG paper leak being reportedly out on bail and the CBI filing a closure report for the cancelled 2024 UGC-NET exam, which has drawn criticism. Singh emphasized the need to restore student confidence in the examination system.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Rahul Gandhi blasts Modi over NEET aspirant suicide, calls education system 'ruined'
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the alleged suicide of NEET aspirant Akanksha Chaturvedi. The 2026 NEET-UG exam, held on May 3, was cancelled on May 12 due to a paper leak now under CBI investigation. Akanksha, from Madhya Pradesh's Mauganj district, died by suicide in Nagpur after reportedly falling into depression over the exam irregularities. Her father, a farmer, had taken a ₹3 lakh loan against his Kisan Credit Card and worked as a cook in Nagpur to support her medical coaching. Gandhi alleged the death was the 'tragic outcome of a corrupt and broken system' under Modi, accusing the government of failing to reform the education system over 12 years. He also criticized Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for remaining in position despite the crisis. A re-examination has been scheduled for June 21.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Arvind Kejriwal says education system fallen into hands of mafia over NEET paper leak
On May 30, 2026, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal criticized the Indian central government over the alleged NEET paper leak, stating that the country's education system has fallen into the 'clutches of the mafia.' He reacted to reports that the Indian Air Force would transport NEET exam papers to centers, calling the move 'bizarre' and a 'nautanki' (drama) that would not stop leaks. Kejriwal accused the government of lacking intention to investigate the leaks thoroughly. He urged collective action to fix the system and said India needs an educated Prime Minister. The article also references similar criticism from Rahul Gandhi and the Supreme Court's observation that the NEET paper leak traumatized entire families.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Congress Demands PM Modi Break Silence on Exam Paper Leaks, Act Against Education Minister
On May 27, 2026, the Congress party escalated its criticism of the Indian government over multiple examination paper leaks, including the NEET paper leak and subsequent cancellation, as well as controversies surrounding the CBSE's On-Screen Marking (OSM) system. Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar accused the government of incompetence, alleging it cannot conduct a single exam properly. He demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi break his silence, take action against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and enact strict zero-tolerance laws against paper leaks. Kumar also questioned the appointment of NTA Director Abhishek Singh, suggesting political connections, and called for the NTA to be stripped of its exam-conducting responsibilities. The party offered a helpline number for affected CBSE students and pledged continued support for aspirants.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Fact Check: Rajnath Singh's 2015 Video Mislinked to 2026 NEET Paper Leak
A viral social media clip featuring Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stating that ministers will not resign is being falsely circulated as a response to the 2026 NEET paper leak. Fact-checkers from The Quint verified that the footage originates from a June 2015 press conference regarding the Lalit Modi controversy, where Singh defended the NDA government's stance against resignation demands compared to the previous UPA administration. The claim linking this decade-old statement to the current examination irregularities is incorrect. Meanwhile, addressing the actual NEET paper leak, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the exam would be re-conducted on June 21, 2026. Pradhan acknowledged a breach in the command chain and accepted responsibility for the system's failures, promising strict action against those involved. Examinees will also receive an additional 15 minutes for the rescheduled test. This report clarifies the misinformation surrounding Singh's comments while providing updates on the government's official response to the educational scandal.
The QuintRahul Gandhi Demands Removal of Education Minister Over Repeated NEET Paper Leaks
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has intensified his criticism of the Indian government, demanding the immediate dismissal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following repeated paper leaks in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). In a series of posts and statements, Gandhi questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the issue, highlighting that despite a paper leak in 2024 where the exam proceeded, and another in 2026 leading to cancellation, the minister has not resigned. The National Testing Agency cancelled the May 3, 2026, NEET-UG exam due to irregularities, scheduling a re-examination for June 21. Gandhi alleged that the BJP-RSS nexus has systematically destroyed India's education system for financial gain, claiming the hard work of 22 lakh aspirants was wasted. He accused the government of ignoring parliamentary committee recommendations and called for the imprisonment of those involved in the leaks. Meanwhile, Minister Pradhan announced that future NEET exams will be computer-based to prevent such irregularities. The incident has sparked a significant political debate regarding accountability and the integrity of national entrance examinations in India.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduRahul Gandhi Demands Dismissal of Education Minister Over NEET Paper Leak
Indian Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi has intensified his criticism of the government regarding the NEET-UG 2026 examination paper leak, demanding the immediate dismissal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Gandhi questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the matter, arguing that the minister has repeatedly failed to ensure the integrity of national entrance exams. The Congress leader drew parallels between the current controversy and the 2024 leaks, highlighting a persistent lack of accountability within the education system. Gandhi alleged a corrupt nexus involving the BJP, RSS, and university officials, claiming they have compromised the credibility of India's educational institutions for financial gain. He accused Pradhan of ignoring committee recommendations and refusing to take responsibility for the betrayal of 22 lakh students. The NEET-UG exam, originally held on May 3, was cancelled due to irregularities, sparking widespread protests. While the government has scheduled a re-test for June 21, the incident has raised serious concerns about the security and fairness of one of India's largest competitive examinations. Gandhi urged the Prime Minister to either remove the minister or accept personal responsibility for the systemic failures.
India Today | Latest StoriesRahul Gandhi Demands Education Minister's Resignation Over NEET Paper Leak
Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi has intensified his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. In a video message and social media posts, Gandhi highlighted the recurrence of such leaks, comparing the 2026 incident to the 2024 scandal where the exam was not cancelled despite similar allegations. He launched the #SackPradhan campaign, demanding the immediate resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accusing him of failing to uphold educational integrity and disregarding parliamentary committee recommendations. Gandhi posed three direct questions to the Prime Minister regarding the repeated leaks, his silence on the issue, and the refusal to dismiss the minister. He expressed deep concern for the 2.2 million students whose efforts were compromised, alleging that ideological appointments have ruined the education system. Amidst growing public outrage and political pressure, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has rescheduled the exam for June 21, 2026, while promising future computer-based tests. However, the opposition maintains that mere administrative changes are insufficient without accountability at the ministerial level.
India Today | Latest StoriesRahul Gandhi Demands Education Minister's Resignation Over NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has intensified criticism of the BJP-led Central government following allegations of a paper leak in the NEET-UG 2026 examination. Gandhi demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the recurring issue of exam irregularities. Comparing the situation to the 2024 leaks, Gandhi highlighted that while the 2026 exam was cancelled, no ministerial accountability has been enforced. The controversy has led to the cancellation of the original exam, with a re-examination scheduled for June 21, 2026. Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is actively probing the case, having recently sought custody of Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, an NTA panel member accused in the leak. In response to the crisis, the Education Ministry announced that future NEET exams will be conducted via computer-based tests. Political tensions are rising, with the Karnataka Youth Congress organizing a protest march in Bengaluru. The incident underscores growing public and political scrutiny over the integrity of national competitive examinations in India.
Economic TimesBJP Criticizes Rahul Gandhi's Remarks on NEET Paper Leak as Political Opportunism
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his comments regarding the alleged NEET examination paper leak, labeling his statements as insensitive and politically motivated. BJP national media co-incharge Sanjay Mayukh accused Gandhi of spreading confusion and exploiting the distress of students for political gain. In response to the leak, Gandhi had demanded the immediate dismissal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan or personal accountability from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the BJP-RSS nexus has damaged India's education system. The BJP defended the government's actions, highlighting the swift ordering of a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and the decision to conduct a re-examination. Mayukh and spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari argued that the opposition is prioritizing politics over the future of 2.2 million students, while also pointing to past examination scams during the Congress-led UPA regime. The government asserts it is maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against the paper leak mafia, with arrests made across the country, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and student welfare rather than a cover-up.
NDTV News Search Records Found 1000AAP Criticizes Govt Over NEET Leak as Re-exam Date Announced
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has strongly criticized the Indian central government following the cancellation of the NEET-UG examination due to paper leaks. Anurag Dhanda, AAP's National Media In-charge, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration of endangering the futures of approximately 22-23 lakh students by failing to dismantle the syndicate responsible for the leak. He questioned the effectiveness of arrests made so far and expressed concern over potential recurrence in the upcoming re-examination. In response, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the re-examination on June 21. Pradhan assured students that malpractice would be prevented and introduced several reforms, including shifting to a Computer-Based Test format from the following year. The government also confirmed fee refunds for the cancelled exam and waived charges for the re-test. Admit cards for the new date will be issued by June 14, with candidates allowed to change their preferred exam cities. The minister emphasized that the decision to cancel was made to protect deserving candidates from the conspiracy of education mafias.
NDTV News Search Records Found 1000BJP Criticizes Rahul Gandhi for Politicizing NEET Exam Controversy
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly politicizing the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 medical entrance exam. The dispute arose after Gandhi demanded the dismissal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accusing the BJP-RSS nexus of undermining India's education system following reports of question paper leaks. In response, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari defended the government's swift action, highlighting the immediate cancellation of the compromised exam and the scheduling of a re-examination for June 21, 2026. Bhandari accused the Congress party of prioritizing political gains over the interests of 22 lakh students and pointed to alleged past exam scams under Congress-led administrations. The government emphasized that it has handed the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and arrested several operatives linked to the leak racket in cities like Jaipur and Gurugram. Union Education Minister Pradhan has accepted responsibility and announced future reforms, including a shift to computer-based testing. The article captures the heated exchange between the ruling party and the opposition regarding accountability and the integrity of national examinations.
India Today | Latest StoriesRahul Gandhi Demands Dismissal of Education Minister Amid NEET Leak Scandal
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has demanded the immediate dismissal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan or personal accountability from Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal. Gandhi alleged that a 'BJP-RSS nexus' has compromised India's education system, claiming that question papers were circulated on WhatsApp days before the exam. He criticized Pradhan for disregarding Parliamentary Committee recommendations and accused the government of betraying 2.2 million aspirants. In response, Minister Pradhan announced that a re-examination would be held on June 21, 2026, and stated that the medical entrance test would transition to a computer-based format starting in 2027 to prevent future irregularities. Pradhan emphasized the government's commitment to strict action against those responsible, asserting a policy of zero tolerance for misconduct. The controversy has intensified political tensions, with the opposition highlighting repeated exam leaks as evidence of systemic failure under the current administration.
Economic TimesRahul Gandhi Demands Removal of Education Minister Over NEET Paper Leak
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has demanded the immediate dismissal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan or personal accountability from Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the NEET-UG paper leak scandal. Gandhi alleged that the government disregarded recommendations from a Parliamentary Committee, dismissing them because opposition members were involved. He accused the BJP-RSS nexus of destroying India's education system by appointing ideologically aligned individuals to key university positions, leading to widespread exam irregularities. Gandhi highlighted that 2.2 million aspirants were betrayed, with their hard work wasted due to the leak, which reportedly involved question papers circulating on WhatsApp days before the exam. In response, Minister Pradhan announced that the NEET-UG re-examination would take place on June 21, 2026, and stated that future iterations of the medical entrance exam would be fully computer-based to prevent such irregularities. Pradhan emphasized the government's zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and assured that strict action is being taken against those responsible. The incident has sparked protests and intensified political debate over the integrity of national testing agencies and the broader education framework in India.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduRahul Gandhi Demands Education Minister's Dismissal Over NEET Paper Leak
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has demanded the immediate dismissal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following a significant paper leak in the NEET-UG 2026 examination. In a video statement and post on X, Gandhi alleged that the question paper was distributed two days before the exam, cheating approximately 2.2 million students. He criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for remaining silent and stated that if Pradhan is not sacked, the Prime Minister must take direct responsibility. Gandhi further accused the RSS-BJP nexus of corrupting the education sector by appointing unqualified vice-chancellors and professors to generate revenue. The National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the original exam, scheduling a retest for June 21. Authorities have arrested nine individuals across Delhi, Jaipur, Gurgaon, Nashik, Pune, and Ahilyanagar in connection with the leak. Gandhi referenced a previous parliamentary committee report that highlighted confidence issues within the NTA, urging the government to address systemic failures in the country's educational infrastructure.
The Indian ExpressRahul Gandhi Demands Education Minister's Dismissal Over NEET Paper Leak
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized the Indian central government over recurring paper leaks in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). He asserted that these leaks have severely damaged the country's education system and jeopardized the futures of approximately 20 million students. Gandhi specifically demanded the immediate dismissal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accusing him of distancing himself from the crisis despite widespread resentment among students and parents. The Congress leader alleged that the issue stems from a systemic failure driven by a network associated with the RSS and BJP, which he claims has compromised the credibility of educational institutions through politically motivated appointments. He stated that around 80 paper leak incidents have occurred, rendering the hard work of 2.2 million students futile. Gandhi described the situation as a gross injustice that is eroding the confidence of the nation's youth. He called for the arrest of all individuals involved in the leaks and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take decisive action to restore integrity to the examination process and provide justice to the affected candidates.
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