Following the abrupt cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination, Super 30 founder Anand Kumar has voiced strong concerns over the integrity of national competitive tests. Kumar, known for his pioneering work in preparing underprivileged students for engineering entrance exams, has called for stringent anti-cheating measures akin to those implemented in China to safeguard India's examination system.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of the medical entrance exam nine days after it was conducted on May 3. Citing information from central agencies and law enforcement, the NTA stated that the existing examination process could not be deemed fair, affecting nearly 22 lakh students who appeared for the test. Fresh dates for a re-examination are yet to be announced.
Concerns Over Student Morale and System Credibility
Kumar described the cancellation as “very unfortunate,” highlighting the detrimental impact repeated controversies have on students' morale. “Students lose morale every time something like this happens,” he stated, while also acknowledging the arrests made in connection with the alleged malpractice as a positive step. He urged students to remain resilient and optimistic about the opportunity for a re-test.
Demand for Stricter Coaching Centre Regulation
A key focus of Kumar's demands is the tighter regulation of coaching centers. Investigators are currently probing whether organized networks, potentially linked to these institutions, were involved in circulating “guess papers” before the examination. “It’s important to tighten the noose on coaching centres. There should be strict implementation of rules. The government must ensure tough measures like China,” Kumar emphasized.
China's Anti-Cheating and Education Reforms
Kumar's reference to China points to its comprehensive reforms in the education sector. In 2021, under President Xi Jinping, China introduced its “Double Reduction” policy, which placed severe restrictions on private tutoring in core academic subjects. This policy banned for-profit tutoring, restricted classes during weekends and holidays, and significantly increased state oversight of the private education sector.
Beyond tutoring reforms, Chinese authorities have also bolstered examination security. This includes deploying advanced anti-cheating technology, enhancing monitoring at examination centers, and implementing stricter protocols for handling question papers. These measures are part of broader reforms aimed at ensuring fairness, scrutinizing admissions, and improving access for students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds.
CBI Inquiry Initiated Amidst Allegations
The Centre has handed over the investigation into the alleged irregularities to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The NTA has pledged full cooperation, providing all necessary records and materials. Previously, the agency had detailed extensive security arrangements for the May 3 examination, including GPS-tracked question paper transportation with unique watermarks and AI-assisted CCTV surveillance.
Reports of suspected malpractice emerged on May 7, leading to a referral to central agencies the following day. The controversy centers on allegations of “guess papers” circulated via coaching networks, with investigators examining potential links to leaked or illegally accessed content and the role of organized groups in their distribution.