ISLAMABAD: India’s national medical entrance examination system has come under renewed scrutiny after the 2026 exam was cancelled over a major paper leak scandal that triggered arrests, protests and political accusations against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian media reported on Thursday.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG), conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is India’s largest medical entrance examination and is taken by millions of students seeking admission to medical colleges.
The exam leak has been linked to several deaths by suicide across the country, sparking enmasse protests, according to local media reports.
The controversy erupted after investigators uncovered evidence that parts of the examination paper had allegedly been leaked before the May 3 test.
The CBI has arrested at least five people in connection with the case and is investigating what officials described as a wider conspiracy involving multiple states.
Reports said “guess papers” circulating before the exam allegedly matched large portions of the actual question paper.
Following mounting outrage, the NTA cancelled the examination and announced a re-test scheduled for June 21.
The scandal has triggered fierce political reactions, especially in Rajasthan, where opposition leaders accused the BJP government of delaying action despite early indications of a leak.
Allegations against BJP
According to The Wire and The Indian Express, Congress leaders alleged that individuals linked to the BJP’s youth wing were connected to the racket.
Leader of Opposition of Rajasthan, Tika Ram Jully, questioned why authorities allegedly waited several days before registering a formal police complaint.
Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot also accused the BJP government of attempting to suppress the issue while students’ futures were put at risk.
The BJP has denied the allegations and accused the opposition of politicizing the scandal.
The issue has also reignited criticism of the National Testing Agency, which has faced repeated controversies over examination management and allegations of irregularities in recent years.
Student groups and opposition parties have demanded structural reforms, greater transparency and accountability in the conduct of national examinations.
The controversy has sparked protests in several cities, with many students expressing frustration over uncertainty surrounding one of India’s most competitive examinations.
