Opposition slams Government after NEET-UG cancellation, demands overhaul of NTA
Opposition parties launched a sharp attack on the government following the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination, accusing the Centre of administrative failure, repeated exam mismanagement, and negligence towards students.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the NEET-UG exam conducted on May 3 after allegations of a paper leak. The government has now ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the reported irregularities, and fresh exam dates will be announced later.
The decision has triggered a political storm, with several opposition leaders demanding accountability and reforms in the examination system.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi strongly criticised the government, saying that the dreams of over 22 lakh students had been “crushed”. He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “amrit kaal” has turned into a “vish kaal”.
In a post on X, Gandhi called the situation a “crime against the future of youth”, citing financial and emotional stress faced by students and parents preparing for the exam.
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal also attacked the Centre, alleging repeated paper leaks and political protection for those involved. He claimed that the NEET paper had been leaked multiple times in recent years and demanded mass protests against the government.
Kejriwal said students would have to take to the streets, adding that his party stood in support of them.
Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose said the cancellation had thrown students into “disarray and anxiety”, blaming the government for lack of accountability and poor governance.
RJD leader Manoj Jha demanded the dismantling of the NTA, calling it “incapable” of conducting fair examinations. He said the CBI probe would not address the root problem and termed the situation “insensitive” towards students from ordinary backgrounds.
CPI(M) MP John Brittas said repeated failures in national-level examinations were eroding public trust and urged immediate systemic reforms to protect students’ interests.
RJD spokesperson Priyanka Bharti also pointed to recurring allegations linked to Bihar in previous NEET paper leak cases, raising concerns over repeated involvement of individuals from the state.
With political pressure mounting, the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 has once again sparked a national debate over exam security, institutional accountability, and the future of India’s competitive examination system.