16 May 2026
Opposition demands resignation of Education Minister over pre-medical entrance exam leak
The National Students Union of India, a youth wing of the country’s largest opposition party, the Indian National Congress (INC), protested outside the National Testing Agency (NTA) in New Delhi on Saturday following the controversial cancellation of the All India Pre-Medical Entrance Exam.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2026 exam was canceled on May 12 following allegations of question paper leak. The entrance examination is under the purview of NTA.
This examination is conducted by pen and paper for more than 2.2 million candidates in a single shift at thousands of centers across India. This means printing thousands of question papers, transporting them and securing them at locations before the exam.
Since heavy physical exercise makes the question paper weak, NEET-UG papers have been leaked many times in the past. Students who have already appeared for the exam on May 3 will now appear again in June.
The re-examination not only increases anxiety and uncertainty for students preparing for the highly competitive entrance exam, but also impacts disadvantaged social groups and low-income families, who may struggle to pay for their travel to reach their scheduled exam centres.
NSUI members accused the Education Minister
News agency ANI reported that the protesters were carrying locks and chains symbolizing the NTA bandh. They also held placards and raised slogans against NTA and Union Education Minister Farmendra Pradhan.
“We demand a ban on NTA and strict action against the culprits who have ruined the mental health of students and driven them to depression and suicide,” said a protester at the site. Others demanded Pradhan’s resignation.
Meanwhile, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday said it has identified the culprit behind the paper leak – a chemistry lecturer involved in the examination process on behalf of the NTA.
It is said that the lecturer had given questions and their correct answers to his coaching students before the exam.
A spokesperson for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party said, “The examination mafia playing with the future of children will not be spared at any cost” and described the leak as an “unfortunate matter”.
“Internal arrangements were strong, but external elements had created disruptions,” he told reporters.
Officials have assured that next year’s NEET-UG exam will be conducted online to prevent further leaks.