NEW DELHI—India's opposition Congress party renewed its demand on Tuesday for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, saying he should accept political responsibility for the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and the cancellation of the national medical entrance examination, which affected millions of candidates.
Congress leaders said repeated examination irregularities had undermined confidence in the country's testing system and called for a comprehensive overhaul of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts several national entrance examinations. The party has launched a nationwide campaign, titled "Chhatron Ki Goonj" (Voice of Students), to press for Pradhan's resignation and broader reforms to safeguard the integrity of public examinations.
The demands come amid continuing protests by students and youth groups angered by the alleged paper leak. Demonstrators have accused the government of failing to prevent recurring examination breaches and have sought greater accountability from senior officials. Protest organizers have also included Pradhan's resignation among their principal demands.
The government has defended its response, saying it acted promptly after the alleged leak emerged. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called for a "foolproof" public examination system and the strictest punishment for those responsible for examination fraud. According to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, authorities have ordered investigations, conducted re-examinations where necessary and arrested suspects linked to the case.
Pradhan has not announced any intention to step down. The Bharatiya Janata Party-led government has maintained that the investigation should proceed through the appropriate legal process and has said those found responsible will face action in accordance with the law.
The alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak prompted the cancellation of the examination earlier this year, requiring millions of candidates to prepare for a fresh test. Opposition leaders have argued that repeated controversies surrounding national examinations point to systemic weaknesses, while the government says it is committed to strengthening examination security and restoring public confidence.
Parliament's monsoon session has seen the issue become a focal point of political debate, with opposition parties continuing to press the government for accountability as investigations and public protests remain ongoing.
