Protests Erupt After NEET UG 2026 Cancellation
Massive outrage broke out across the national capital after the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination amid allegations of paper leaks and examination irregularities. Members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) staged protests outside Shastri Bhawan on Tuesday, accusing the examination body of failing to protect the credibility of one of India’s most important entrance tests.
Students carrying placards and raising slogans demanded accountability over the alleged leak controversy, while security personnel were deployed in the area as protests intensified. Demonstrators alleged that repeated controversies linked to competitive examinations were severely damaging trust in the education system and creating uncertainty for lakhs of aspirants.
Dharmendra Pradhan Avoids Media Questions
Amid growing criticism and nationwide concern among students and parents, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan refused to respond to questions from the media regarding the cancellation and the allegations surrounding the examination process.
His silence came shortly after the government confirmed that the matter had been referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged irregularities connected to the exam conducted on May 3.
NTA Says Exam “Could Not Be Allowed to Stand”
In its official statement, the National Testing Agency said the decision to cancel the examination was taken after examining inputs received from central agencies and findings shared by investigative authorities regarding possible compromises in the integrity of the exam.
The agency stated that the examination process “could not be allowed to stand” and announced that NEET UG 2026 would now be conducted again on fresh dates to be notified separately.
The cancellation has impacted nearly 22 lakh candidates who appeared for the medical entrance examination this year, leaving students uncertain over revised schedules, preparation timelines, and admission procedures.
Rahul Gandhi Launches Sharp Attack on Government
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi strongly criticised the Centre over the cancellation, accusing the government of failing the country’s youth and allowing corruption to flourish in the education system.
In a post on X, Gandhi said, “The NEET 2026 exam has been cancelled. The hard work, sacrifices, and dreams of more than 22 lakh students have been crushed by this corrupt BJP regime,” while highlighting the emotional and financial struggles faced by families preparing for the examination.
He added, “Some fathers took loans, some mothers sold their jewellery, lakhs of children stayed up all night studying, and in return, they got paper leaks, government negligence, and organised corruption in education. This is not just a failure–it’s a crime against the future of the youth.”
Escalating his criticism further, Gandhi alleged that those responsible for repeated exam controversies continue to escape punishment while students suffer the consequences. He said, “Every time, the paper mafia gets away scot-free, while honest students bear the punishment. Now, lakhs of students will once again endure the same mental stress, financial burden, and uncertainty.”
Questioning the fairness of the current system, he remarked, “If one’s destiny is determined not by hard work but by money and connections, then what meaning will education hold?” and added that “The Prime Minister’s so-called Amrit Kaal has turned into a poison era for the country.”
