Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on 28 July 2026 led the Opposition's assault on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, branding the proposed changes a symbolic exercise that fails to address the systemic rot in India's examination infrastructure. Gogoi questioned both the intent of the government and the effectiveness of the National Testing Agency (NTA), arguing that two years of the original law have produced little more than broken promises.

The 'Eyewash' Charge

Gogoi argued that the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 — celebrated by the government as a landmark reform — had demonstrably failed to deter paper leaks. He pointed out that major leak incidents were reported again in 2025, barely a year after the law came into force.

'After listening to the statements made by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, it is clear that the government is not serious about reforming the education sector. This Bill is merely an amendment and appears to be more of a symbolic exercise than a genuine effort at reform,' Gogoi said on the floor of the House.

He recalled that when the original Act was introduced, the government had assured students and parents — already rattled by controversies around NEET and UGC-related tests — that paper leaks would become a thing of the past. 'Those promises have not been fulfilled,' he said.

NEET-UG 2024 Investigation Under Scrutiny

A significant portion of Gogoi's intervention focused on the status of the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak investigation. Citing a newspaper report published in 2026, he claimed that 44 of the 45 individuals chargesheeted in the case are currently out on bail.

'This reflects the seriousness with which the government has handled the matter and its concern for students,' he said, in an evident reference to the absence of convictions. He further alleged that the alleged mastermind, Sanjiv Mukhiya, remained absconding for 11 months before being arrested — and subsequently secured bail as well.

NTA Personnel Changes Questioned

Gogoi sought transparency over reported personnel changes within the NTA, flagging what he described as a numerical inconsistency. He noted that 47 individuals within the agency had reportedly been replaced, even though the NTA's sanctioned strength is only 34.

'Who are these 47 individuals? Were they outsourced personnel? We want complete transparency and details regarding these appointments and changes,' he said. He also questioned why the NTA Chairman had not been replaced even as the Director General was changed and the then Education Minister resigned.

Gogoi further alleged that the NTA Chairman had previously been associated with public service institutions in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, states where paper leak controversies had also surfaced, and called on the government to explain why he continues in his position.

Former Education Minister in the Crosshairs

Congress MP Gogoi also criticised former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that the government initially denied paper leaks had occurred when the controversy first emerged in 2024. 'Even for months afterward, the government continued to deny the problem,' he said.

He also took exception to what he described as a celebratory reception accorded to Pradhan outside Parliament following his resignation. 'That was painful to witness,' Gogoi remarked, suggesting the optics were at odds with the scale of student distress caused by the controversy.

What Comes Next

The Amendment Bill remains under debate in the Lok Sabha. The government is yet to formally respond to the specific questions raised by Gogoi — including the NTA personnel discrepancy and the bail status of the NEET-UG accused. How the ruling side addresses these pointed queries will determine whether the legislation advances with bipartisan credibility or passes over sustained Opposition objection.