The National Testing Agency's (NTA) NEET-UG 2026 examination, initially held on May 3, was controversially cancelled on May 12 following widespread allegations of a paper leak. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a probe into the matter, which has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called upon Indian youngsters, particularly Gen Z, to actively seek justice and accountability from the government regarding the alleged paper leak. Speaking at a press conference, Kejriwal highlighted the recurring nature of such incidents and their detrimental impact on student confidence.
Kejriwal Cites Regional Youth Movements
To underscore his demand for accountability, Kejriwal drew parallels with youth movements in neighboring countries. "If Gen Z in countries like Bangladesh and Nepal could change the government, then Indian youth could also ensure accountability in cases of paper leaks," he stated, urging students to leverage their collective power.
Kejriwal expressed skepticism about the efficacy of the ongoing CBI probe, alleging that the central agency has a history of failing to deliver results in previous paper leak investigations. He cited numerous instances of exam leaks since 2014, asserting that these lapses have jeopardized the future of millions of students, with several incidents occurring in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Calls for Systemic Reforms
In a related development, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has approached the Supreme Court, alleging "systemic failure" in the conduct of the NEET exam and demanding comprehensive reforms. The association's petition highlighted news reports indicating that "guess papers" circulating on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram matched over 100 questions from the actual examination paper.
FAIMA has called for a complete overhaul of the national testing framework, advocating for the replacement of the NTA with a more robust, technologically advanced, and autonomous body. They have also requested the apex court to establish a high-powered monitoring committee, chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge and comprising cybersecurity and forensic experts, to oversee the re-conduct of the 2026 examination and restore public trust in the integrity of entrance exams.