Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday said individuals entrusted with responsibilities during the NEET-UG 2026 examination failed to uphold that trust, leading to the paper leak controversy that forced authorities to conduct a nationwide re-test.
His remarks came days after more than 20 lakh medical aspirants appeared for the NEET re-examination conducted under heightened security arrangements following allegations that the original question paper had been leaked.
Speaking in an interview with NDTV, Pradhan said the National Testing Agency (NTA) had relied on certain teachers and officials to ensure the integrity of the examination process.
Also Read | Lucknow coaching centre fire: 15 dead, 3 arrested, 4 officials suspended over safety lapses
"NTA had placed its trust in certain teachers, but some of them did not fulfil their responsibility. Rakshak hi bhakshak ban gaye," Pradhan said.
Minister speaks on student suicides
The controversy has also drawn attention to the mental health challenges faced by students preparing for competitive examinations.
X/ Dharmendra Pradhan Several students have reportedly died by suicide in recent weeks amid stress related to the paper leak allegations and the uncertainty surrounding the re-test. Addressing the issue, Pradhan said he considers himself accountable whenever such incidents occur.
"As Education Minister, I curse myself every time there is a student suicide. We have to fix the broken system," he said. At the same time, the minister criticised the Congress party and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of politicising student suicides.
Focus on ensuring a fair examination
Pradhan said the government's priority during the re-examination process was to ensure deserving candidates received a fair opportunity to compete.
He expressed confidence that meritorious students would be able to secure good scores despite the disruption caused by the controversy.
The re-test was announced after the NTA received information suggesting similarities between a circulated guess paper and the NEET question paper used during the May 3 examination.
Investigation continues
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the alleged leak, has arrested 13 people so far.
Investigators have identified several individuals allegedly linked to the leak, including teachers accused of facilitating access to question papers from different subjects.
The NTA cancelled the original NEET-UG examination conducted on May 3 following allegations of malpractice and announced a fresh examination on May 15.
Also Read | Petrol, diesel prices hold steady as crude oil rebounds amid Hormuz concerns; check rates in your city
Calls for reform grow louder
The episode has renewed calls for stronger safeguards in India's competitive examination system, particularly for high-stakes entrance tests that determine admission to professional courses.
With the investigation still underway, education authorities are expected to face continued scrutiny over examination security and measures to protect students from academic and psychological stress.
FAQs
Q1. What did Dharmendra Pradhan say about the NEET paper leak?
The Education Minister said that individuals entrusted with examination responsibilities failed in their duties, describing the situation as "protectors turning predators."
Q2. Why was the NEET-UG 2026 re-test conducted?
The re-test was held after allegations emerged that the original question paper had been leaked, prompting the NTA to cancel the May 3 examination and conduct a fresh test under enhanced security measures.
