Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday, 12 May launched a sharp attack on the Central government over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, alleging large-scale collusion at top levels and political patronage to those involved in the examination mafia. The remarks came a day after the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the NEET-UG examination — held on 3 May — following incriminating inputs received by central agencies about irregularities in the examination process.

Kejriwal's Key Allegations

Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Kejriwal alleged that the scale of the paper leak was no accident. He claimed that "large-scale collusion at top levels" and political protection extended to those running the examination mafia were the primary drivers behind the breach. He accused the Centre of "gross failure and negligence", questioning its silence in the face of a crisis affecting lakhs of students and their families.

"If the government can't conduct an examination without paper leak, how can one expect them to run an efficient governance," Kejriwal said, demanding strict accountability from officials presiding over the conduct of examinations.

A Pattern of Repeated Failures

The former Delhi Chief Minister pointed to a troubling pattern, citing alleged NEET paper leaks in 2017, 2021, 2024, and now 2026. He demanded that the government publicly account for those responsible in previous incidents. "Government must tell where those people are behind the previous paper leaks," he stated. This is not the first time the NEET examination has been mired in controversy — the 2024 edition had also drawn widespread protests and legal scrutiny over alleged irregularities.

NTA Cancels NEET-UG 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA), the central body responsible for conducting competitive examinations, cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination on Tuesday after central agencies flagged incriminating inputs pointing to irregularities. The exam had been administered on 3 May to lakhs of medical aspirants across the country. A fresh examination date has not yet been announced, leaving students and families in a state of uncertainty.

Solidarity With Students, Call for Accountability

Recalling his own years of preparation for competitive examinations like IIT and IAS, Kejriwal said he understood the severe hardships that students and parents endure. He expressed solidarity with affected students and urged them to raise their voices. "I want to tell them that if they want to hit the streets to voice their anger and outrage, Kejriwal is standing with them," he said. He also demanded strict action against officials in top positions who, he argued, had "failed utterly" in conducting the examinations fairly. "The future of lakhs of students is at stake. Those responsible must be held accountable and hauled up for gross incompetence," he demanded.

What Comes Next

With the NEET-UG 2026 cancelled and no rescheduled date announced, pressure is mounting on the Centre to act swiftly. The NTA and the government are yet to respond formally to Kejriwal's allegations. Student groups are reportedly mobilising, and legal challenges are expected. The episode is likely to intensify political scrutiny of the examination regulatory framework ahead of any fresh test date.