Ask Onix
NEET-UG exam scrapped amid paper leak allegations
India's medical entrance exam, NEET-UG, was cancelled on Tuesday following claims that questions were leaked before the test, sparking protests in New Delhi and outrage among 2.28 million candidates.
Background and decision
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET-UG, is the sole gateway for admission to medical colleges across India. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which administers the exam, announced the cancellation after an internal probe concluded the integrity of the May 3 test could not be upheld.
The agency stated the move was made "in the interest of students and to preserve trust in the national examination system." No new exam date has been set, raising concerns about delays in the admission process.
Alleged leak and investigation
Reports suggest the leak may have originated in Rajasthan, where police are examining a so-called "guess paper" that allegedly circulated before the exam. These papers, compiled by coaching institutes, predict potential questions based on past trends.
A senior Rajasthan police official told ANI that around 120 of the 410 questions in this year's guess paper appeared in the chemistry section of the actual NEET-UG exam. The test consists of four versions, each containing 180 questions across physics, chemistry, and biology.
The case has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further scrutiny.
Student and political reactions
A 17-year-old Delhi student, who asked to remain anonymous, described the cancellation as devastating. She said her life for the past two years had revolved around NEET preparation, including missing family events and mourning her grandfather's death alone during a mock exam.
"We study so hard and spend days and nights working toward our goal, and then the exam is cancelled. I don't know what to do now."
Many students rely on private coaching classes, which add up to nine hours of study on weekends. The student expressed hope for a retest within a month to avoid further disruption.
Political fallout
Opposition leaders have accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of failing to prevent the leak. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called it a "crime against the future of the youth," while Delhi's former chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, alleged "complete collusion" and claimed "paper leak gangs" operate under political protection.
The National Students' Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of Congress, led protests in Delhi, with activists clashing with police. NSUI president Vinod Jakhar demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who has not responded to the allegations.
In contrast, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal urged accountability, stating the government would ensure strict action to prevent recurrence.
Broader concerns
The Federation of All India Medical Associations, representing doctors nationwide, has called for immediate accountability. This is not the first NEET controversy; in 2024, the exam faced similar allegations of leaks and irregularities, including disputes over grace marks that led to nationwide protests.
The repeated scandals have highlighted systemic vulnerabilities in India's competitive exam framework, which millions of students depend on for higher education opportunities.
