Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar on Wednesday, 29 July levelled fresh allegations that the question paper for the NEET-UG re-examination was leaked in Gujarat at least three days before the test was held. Pawar posted the claim on social media platform X, attaching what he described as supporting documents — including an email thread — and called on law enforcement and central agencies to trace the origin of the alleged leak.

What Pawar Alleged

The NCP(SP) legislator described the development as a 'complete collapse of exam integrity' and demanded an immediate clarification from investigative agencies. He urged probe bodies to act without yielding to political pressure and to expose the key orchestrators behind what he called an organised paper leak racket operating across multiple states.

'Following the NEET re-examination that was conducted after the paper leak, new allegations have emerged claiming that the question paper for the re-exam was also leaked from Gujarat three days before the examination. It reflects a complete collapse of exam integrity,' Pawar said.

He added: 'If this is true, it is extremely alarming. The investigating agencies must immediately clarify the facts. If the paper was indeed leaked, the entire racket must be exposed without yielding to any pressure, and those responsible must be brought to justice.'

Background: How the NEET Crisis Unfolded

The current controversy traces back to the announcement of NEET-UG results, which drew scrutiny after an unprecedented number of candidates scored top ranks and widespread reports emerged of localised paper leaks in Bihar and Gujarat. Following court petitions and public outcry over grace marks awarded to select candidates, the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted a re-examination for affected aspirants.

The Ministry of Education subsequently handed the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), resulting in multiple arrests across Bihar, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Pawar's latest allegations, if verified, would suggest that the re-examination itself was compromised — a significant escalation of the crisis.

Legislative Response and Opposition Pressure

In response to the nationwide uproar, Parliament enacted the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, introducing stringent penal measures, anti-leak frameworks, and heavy monetary fines. However, Opposition parties argue the legislation does not go far enough.

Critics, including student organisations and several Opposition leaders, have intensified demands for structural reforms within the NTA and greater transparency across national recruitment and entrance examinations. The NDA government has faced sustained criticism over what Opposition parties characterise as repeated irregularities in competitive exams.

What Happens Next

Pawar has urged the CBI and other investigative bodies to examine the email thread he released and verify the timeline of the alleged leak. Student delegations and civil society groups that have been campaigning alongside Pawar are expected to intensify pressure on both state and central authorities for institutional accountability. Whether the CBI will formally respond to the new documentary evidence remains to be seen.