The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026 has become the subject of intense political scrutiny, with the Congress party launching a direct assault on the BJP government over alleged paper leaks and widespread irregularities. Senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, have voiced strong criticisms, claiming the integrity of the crucial medical entrance exam has been compromised for millions of students.
Rahul Gandhi Calls NEET an 'Auction' Amid Leak Claims
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, emphatically stated that NEET-UG 2026 was no longer an examination but had devolved into an “auction.” In a post on X, Gandhi alleged that reports indicated many questions were being sold on WhatsApp a staggering 42 hours before the scheduled exam. He highlighted the plight of over 22 lakh students who dedicated sleepless nights to prepare, only to have their futures “openly auctioned off.” Gandhi further claimed this was not an isolated incident, citing 89 paper leaks and 48 re-examinations over the past decade, questioning the government's repeated promises and subsequent silence.
Kharge Alleges Widespread Disorder and Prior Leaks
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed Gandhi's concerns, asserting that the examination system under the Modi government had become synonymous with disorder, distrust, and chaos. Kharge alleged that at least four NEET papers had leaked across various years, specifically mentioning 2026, 2024, 2021, and 2016. He drew attention to a specific incident in Sikar, Rajasthan, where a handwritten “guess paper” was reportedly available before the exam, with 135 questions from it directly matching the actual NEET paper. Kharge questioned the central government's awareness of these alleged illicit activities, accusing the BJP of toying with the future of young people and protecting a “paper-leak mafia.”
Priyanka Gandhi Questions Anti-Paper Leak Law Effectiveness
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also joined the chorus of criticism, holding Prime Minister Narendra Modi accountable to the nation's youth. She highlighted the recurring reports of large-scale irregularities in the NEET-UG exam and questioned the efficacy of the stringent anti-paper leak law recently passed in Parliament. Vadra expressed dismay that despite such legislation, corruption continued on the ground, impacting nearly 23 lakh students who, along with their parents, make immense sacrifices for their academic future.
NTA Asserts Full Security Protocol and Ongoing Investigation
In response to the mounting allegations, the National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting NEET-UG, affirmed that the examination on May 3 was carried out under a “full security protocol.” The NTA stated it is actively collaborating with investigating agencies, including the Rajasthan Special Operations Group, which is probing reports of alleged irregularities. The agency emphasized that the matter remains under investigation and that it would not pre-judge the inquiry or speculate on its outcome. The NTA detailed its security measures, noting that question papers were transported in GPS-tracked vehicles with unique, traceable watermark identifiers, and examination centers were monitored through AI-assisted CCTV surveillance from a central control room.