Congress demands NTA scrapping, Pradhan's exit over NEET-UG 2026 paper leak allegations

New Delhi: The Congress on Friday targeted the government over paper leaks in NEET-UG and other examinations, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi should break his silence on the issue, dismiss Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and do away with the National Testing Agency. Addressing a press conference here, Congress' NSUI in-charge Kanhaiya Kumar also claimed that public faith in the education system is eroding and that the government is merely engaging in a cover-up by taking measures like banning the Telegram messaging app.

"Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has clearly stated that we do not wish to politicise education. However, parents today fear for their children's well-being; students are grappling with severe depression. Yet, instead of accepting responsibility, BJP members are questioning Rahul Gandhi," Kumar said. Taking a dig at the government, he wondered whether the Congress was in power at the Centre.

Referring to Rahul Gandhi's recent interaction with students in Kota, the Congress leader said, "Prime Minister Modi should heed what Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi says, as education is not a matter of politics. Today, the common man has lost faith in the education system." "Students have been deprived of the right to dream. The government is picking the pockets of the common people.

Also read NEET 2026: Kashmir suspends classes in 60 schools ahead of re-examination

The Modi government has turned education into a product. "Incompetent individuals are being appointed to high-ranking positions in the country and when we raise questions, we are accused of playing politics. This raises the question: is facilitating question paper leaks an act of patriotism?" Kumar said.

"Whenever Prime Minister Modi gets a break from his world tours, he should break his silence on the paper leak issue, seek Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, do away with the NTA, take strict action against all those responsible for the leaks, and establish a competent institution to conduct transparent examinations," he added.

Kumar said Gandhi is standing with the students and they should not punish themselves as they have not failed. The National Testing Agency cancelled the May 3 NEET-UG 2026 exam amid allegations of a paper leak, with the government asking the CBI to carry out a comprehensive inquiry into the matter. The NEET (UG) re-examination is scheduled for June 21.