Protests erupted across New Delhi and several other cities on Tuesday, 12 May after the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination — conducted on 3 May — following allegations of a large-scale paper leak. Student organisations from across the political spectrum demanded accountability, an independent probe, and strict action against those allegedly behind the leak network.

What Triggered the Protests

The NTA's decision to cancel the NEET-UG 2026 examination came amid mounting pressure from students and youth organisations who alleged that approximately 120 questions had been leaked before the test was administered. For millions of aspirants who had spent months — and in many cases years — preparing for one of India's most competitive medical entrance examinations, the cancellation compounded the distress of an already fraught situation.

Students pointed out that this is not an isolated incident. "This happened in 2024 also, and now it has happened again. Who is accountable for this? When will the government take action against this?" one protesting student said. Another student highlighted the financial burden on families: "Our parents are spending lakhs for NEET coaching. We stay away from our families for months and work hard to crack this exam. When we sit for the exam, we get to know that it has been leaked. How will our parents pay so much money again and again for our coaching? Why is this not being stopped?"

NSUI Calls for NTA Disbandment and Minister's Resignation

The National Students' Union of India (NSUI) alleged that the government was forced to cancel the examination only after sustained protests and pressure from students. The organisation made clear that cancellation alone would not constitute justice.

"The students' battle will continue until action is taken against the networks responsible for leaking the papers, the National Testing Agency is held accountable, and strict measures are initiated against the entire nexus involved in this collusion," an NSUI member said.

NSUI President Vinod Jakhar questioned the government's response and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. "The government has not yet said anything about the paper leak. Around 120 questions were already leaked before the examination. Students and their families are concerned. What is the accountability of the government here? We want Dharmendra Pradhan to resign. The NTA is also incapable of conducting an examination," Jakhar said.

Jakhar further warned of the systemic consequences: "If paper thieves become doctors, then what will happen to the healthcare system of this country?" He alleged that silence still prevailed over who was involved in orchestrating the leak, calling it "proof that irregularities occurred on a massive scale."

The NSUI additionally demanded that the NTA be disbanded and that an independent enquiry be instituted into the alleged paper leak scam.

ABVP Demands Impartial, Time-Bound Investigation

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which is ideologically aligned with the ruling dispensation, also expressed strong concern over the alleged irregularities — a notable cross-partisan convergence of student outrage.

In a formal statement, the ABVP said reports of paper leaks and procedural lapses had created "profound anxiety" among students and parents across the country. "It is the ABVP's unequivocal stance that there must be absolutely no compromise regarding the sanctity and credibility of entrance examinations," the organisation stated.

The ABVP characterised the leaking of question papers as "not merely an assault on the examination system, but also a grave injustice against the future of millions of students who have toiled tirelessly throughout the year in preparation."

ABVP National General Secretary Virendra Solanki said the organisation had consistently demanded stronger safeguards for national-level examinations, including better technical security systems, stricter confidentiality protocols, enhanced surveillance at examination centres, and greater accountability mechanisms. "Lakhs of students appear for examinations like NEET only after years of hard work and struggle. Under such circumstances, any form of irregularity has a severe impact on their morale and future prospects. Therefore, it is imperative that the entire episode be subjected to an impartial investigation and that the culprits, under no circumstances, be spared," Solanki said.

Broader Demands and What Comes Next

Both organisations, along with protesting students, demanded that central investigative agencies probe the alleged leak and take the strictest possible action against the so-called "exam mafia" and any individuals accused of facilitating the breach at any level. They also insisted that the NTA maintain complete transparency and communicate all facts to students and parents until the investigation concludes.

This is the second consecutive year that NEET-UG has been embroiled in controversy — a 2024 paper leak scandal had similarly shaken public confidence in the examination system. With the re-examination date yet to be announced and millions of aspirants in limbo, the pressure on the NTA and the Ministry of Education to deliver credible answers is only set to intensify.