Student-led demonstrations over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak continued across India on Thursday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fast-track courts for paper leak cases, with protesters insisting that structural reforms and ministerial accountability remain their primary demands.
Key points
- Student protests continued in New Delhi and several other cities.
- Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- The Centre announced fast-track courts for examination paper leak cases.
- Protesters are also seeking reforms to the National Testing Agency.
- Police maintained heavy security around protest sites and Parliament.
NEW DELHI – Nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak intensified on Thursday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Centre would establish fast-track courts to prosecute those responsible for examination paper leaks. Student groups leading the demonstrations said the announcement did not address their core demands, including accountability within the examination system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The demonstrations began after allegations that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for undergraduate medical admissions had been compromised by a question paper leak. The controversy, which affected around two million candidates, has evolved into a wider movement highlighting concerns over examination integrity, youth unemployment and institutional accountability.
Protests spread across major cities
Thousands of students and youth activists gathered in New Delhi, including at Jantar Mantar and during attempts to march towards Parliament. Demonstrations were also reported in Mumbai, Chennai and several other cities as student organisations mobilised support.
Authorities deployed large numbers of police personnel, erected barricades and imposed traffic and security restrictions in parts of the national capital. Clashes during earlier marches resulted in the use of tear gas, baton charges and detentions, drawing criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups over restrictions on peaceful protests.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Examination | NEET-UG 2026 |
| Conducting body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Main issue | Alleged examination paper leak |
| Primary demands | Minister’s resignation, NTA reforms, accountability and compensation |
| Government response | Fast-track courts and dialogue with student representatives |
Government announces legal action and dialogue
In his first public response since the protests gathered momentum, Modi said the government would establish fast-track courts to ensure “swift and stringent punishment” for those involved in examination paper leaks. He also said authorities had been directed to take all necessary steps to safeguard students’ interests.
Senior Union ministers, including J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh, have urged protesting students to participate in discussions with the government, saying there is no barrier to dialogue while investigations continue. Government representatives have maintained that those responsible for examination irregularities will face legal action.
Protesters seek broader reforms
Student groups and organisers have maintained that judicial action alone will not resolve recurring examination irregularities. They continue to demand structural reforms within the National Testing Agency, greater transparency in public examinations, accountability for officials responsible for lapses and compensation for students affected by the controversy.
Opposition parties have backed many of the protesters’ demands and continued to press for the resignation of the Education Minister, while parliamentary proceedings have also been disrupted over the issue. Protest organisers have said demonstrations will continue until their key demands are addressed.