NEET-UG Paper Leak Row Intensifies, Centre Faces Sharp Opposition Criticism

The controversy surrounding the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak has triggered a massive political storm across the country, with opposition parties intensifying attacks on the BJP-led Central government over what is being described as a major failure in safeguarding one of India’s most important entrance examinations. The cancellation of the exam has left nearly 23 lakh medical aspirants and their families anxious about their academic future.

AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday strongly criticised the Centre and demanded answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the incident. Speaking to the media, Owaisi said the crisis had deeply affected students from poor and middle-class families , many of whom had spent years preparing for the highly competitive medical entrance examination.

He questioned how such a leak could occur despite the government previously introducing strict anti-cheating laws and promising severe punishment for those involved in paper leak cases. Owaisi said lakhs of parents had invested huge amounts in coaching centres while students sacrificed years of hard work with dreams of becoming doctors. According to him, the government must understand the emotional and financial distress caused to aspirants after the cancellation of the exam.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the May 3 examination after allegations surfaced that a “guess paper” circulated before the test reportedly matched a significant portion of the actual question paper. Preliminary investigations indicated the involvement of organised networks and solver gangs allegedly operating across multiple states.

Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram also questioned the existing NEET system, arguing that conducting a single examination for lakhs of students across thousands of centres creates serious logistical and security challenges. He demanded that the NEET system be scrapped and medical admission powers be returned to state governments.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has now taken over the investigation into the alleged leak. Officials are examining reports that leaked papers were sold for huge sums through intermediaries in different states.

Meanwhile, uncertainty continues among students as authorities are yet to announce the revised examination schedule. The government has clarified that candidates will not need to submit fresh applications or pay additional fees for the re-exam, but anxiety among aspirants remains high as they await further clarity.