Activist Sonam Wangchuk has officially ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving assurances from the government that no legal action will be taken against protesters at Jantar Mantar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also urged Wangchuk to prioritize his health while announcing stricter action against NEET paper leaks, including fast-track courts and tougher punishments for offenders.

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Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strike | PM Modi's big NEET reform | US strikes Iran |Russia- Ukraine War

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Friday (July 24) said its protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, even as activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced in a post on X shortly after Wangchuk broke his fast after midnight on Friday. Congratulating the activist, Dipke said Wangchuk's decision to end the fast brought relief to his supporters and praised his role in drawing national attention to the issue.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonam-wangchuk-ends-hunger-strike-after-meeting-union-ministers-jp-nadda-jitendra-singh-1784834385990">WATCH: Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strike after meeting Union Ministers JP Nadda, Jitendra Singh</a>&nbsp;"We are relieved and grateful that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike after 26 days," Dipke wrote. "Thank you, sir, for your extraordinary courage and sacrifice. By putting your own life on the line, you awakened the conscience of an entire nation. Your life is far too precious to this country," he added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/paper-leak-is-no-trivial-matter-pm-modi-assures-strict-actions-in-video-message-promises-fast-track-courts-1784832225179">‘Paper leak is no trivial matter’: PM Modi assures strict actions over NEET paper leak, promises fast-track courts</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are relieved and grateful that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike after 26 days. Thank you, sir, for your extraordinary courage and sacrifice. By putting your own life on the line, you awakened the conscience of an entire nation. Your life is far too precious to this…&mdash; Abhijeet Dipke (@abhijeet_dipke) <a href="https://x.com/abhijeet_dipke/status/2080381554476380549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Dipke, however, said Wangchuk ending his fast would not bring an end to the party's campaign. He said the CJP's "peaceful protest" at Jantar Mantar would continue until Pradhan steps down.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/failure-is-okay-cheating-is-not-sachin-tendulkar-calls-for-merit-based-culture-amid-student-protests-1784821525857">'Failure is okay, cheating is not': Tendulkar urges society to reward hard work</a>&nbsp;The CJP has been staging a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar since last month over the alleged NEET paper leak, demanding greater accountability and reforms to the education system. The group has also been calling for Pradhan's resignation over the controversy.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cjp-delegation-to-meet-union-ministers-on-friday-govt-replaces-higher-education-secretary-1784831328542">CJP delegation to meet Centre Friday; govt replaces higher education secretary</a>&nbsp;Wangchuk ended his indefinite hunger strike shortly after midnight on Friday after fasting for 26 days, bringing to a close a protest that had drawn support from students, activists and opposition leaders.

Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike, but the Cockroach Janata Party will continue its Jantar Mantar protest demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over NEET paper leak allegations.

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Friday (July 24) said its protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, even as activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced in a post on X shortly after Wangchuk broke his fast after midnight on Friday. Congratulating the activist, Dipke said Wangchuk's decision to end the fast brought relief to his supporters and praised his role in drawing national attention to the issue. Also read: WATCH: Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strike after meeting Union Ministers JP Nadda, Jitendra Singh "We are relieved and grateful that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike after 26 days," Dipke wrote. "Thank you, sir, for your extraordinary courage and sacrifice. By putting your own life on the line, you awakened the conscience of an entire nation. Your life is far too precious to this country," he added. Also read: ‘Paper leak is no trivial matter’: PM Modi assures strict actions over NEET paper leak, promises fast-track courts

Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike, but the Cockroach Janata Party will continue its Jantar Mantar protest demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over NEET paper leak allegations.

Wangchuk ends hunger strike, but CJP protest will continue until Pradhan resigns: Abhijeet Dipke

The protests in the national capital are swelling with students taking to the streets. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced a nationwide protest on Friday.&nbsp;In a powerful symbolic gesture, members of parliament belonging to the opposition I.N.D.I.A. Alliance headed to the Gandhi Smriti to remember the children who died by suicide after the NEET-UG exam was cancelled due to a large-scale paper leak.&nbsp;They expressed solidarity with the protesters and their demands, which also include a compensation of one crore rupees for the kin of the deceased NEET students.&nbsp;As tensions remain high, PM Narendra Modi stressed that nothing is more important than the welfare and future of the youths.&nbsp;He announced, “We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure SWIFT and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks.”&nbsp;On its part, the government said that it reached out to CJP for talks four times since Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;However, the impasse continues as cabinet minister Jitendra Singh insisted that the talks will be held at the residence or office of Union health minister JP Nadda.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/neet-protest-cjp-declares-nationwide-protest-on-july-24-1784828561408/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/neet-protest-cjp-declares-nationwide-protest-on-july-24-1784828561408/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jitendra Singh said, “The talks could be held at Shri Nadda ji’s office or residence, whichever of the two you wish to. Because you appreciate as much as I do, that without talks, without dialogue, we cannot find a solution.”&nbsp;But protesters accused the government of spreading misinformation and asked it to contact them directly.&nbsp;It has agreed to meet ministers at either Jantar Mantar or a neutral venue near the protest site.&nbsp;CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke also warned the centre that protesters may even seek PM Modi’s resignation in the near future if their demands are not accepted.&nbsp;Meanwhile, veteran social activist Anna Hazare, who emerged as the face of the Jan Lokpal Bill agitation fifteen years ago, participated in a silent protest at Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar.&nbsp;Backing the demand for Pradhan’s ouster, he also wrote a letter to PM Modi to engage in a positive dialogue with protesters in the true spirit of Gandhian principles.&nbsp;Supreme Court lawyers also held a protest titled ‘Save Democracy, Save Constitution’.&nbsp;As part of this, lawyers including senior advocates Indira Jaising and Sanjay Hegde as well as retired high court chief justice S Muralidhar, recited the preamble to India’s constitution.&nbsp;Earlier in the day, opposition parties held a protest outside parliament demanding Pradhan’s resignation.&nbsp;On the other hand, MPs of the ruling National Democratic Alliance held a counter-protest, accusing the opposition of derailing the discussion by putting the precondition of Pradhan’s resignation.&nbsp;But a key question arises here. Why is the government not willing to consider even the possibility of sacking Pradhan?&nbsp;One of the possible reasons could be his track record in election management.&nbsp;As the state election in charge for the BJP, he ensured the party’s victory in assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh in 2022, Haryana in 2024 and Bihar last year.&nbsp;The government might also be wary of Pradhan’s ouster, as doing so may trigger a cascading effect, with the opposition seeking the resignation of other ministers.&nbsp;It is worth noting that a spate of resignations by ministers during the Congress-led UPA-II government from 2009 to 2014 is perceived to have given momentum to the BJP back then.&nbsp;The protests have now spread across the country.&nbsp;For instance, SFI activists held a march to the Lok Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, demanding Pradhan’s ouster.&nbsp;BJP-ruled West Bengal too witnessed massive protests over the NEET issue, with students holding a march at Park Circus in Kolkata.&nbsp;Now, has the crackdown on students angered young people even more?&nbsp;In a dramatic visual from Mumbai, a young girl stood in front of a Mumbai police vehicle which was taking away protesters.&nbsp;She raised slogans and questioned the police response to the protests.&nbsp;A video shared by Congress' Mumbai unit also sparked a row, in which a police driver is seen allegedly threatening youngsters that they will be framed in a drug case if they return to the protests.&nbsp;While the Maharashtra home department has taken serious cognizance of this video, with the said official being transferred.&nbsp;The government needs to bear in mind that such incidents will only complicate the current situation.&nbsp;It is increasingly clear that the government needs to have an independent line of communication with the protesters, keeping the political parties aside.&nbsp;While BJP is attacking the opposition for politicising the issue, it doesn’t solve the problem at hand.&nbsp;The other dimension is that political parties have also realised that protesters want to focus on their demands and not get entangled in politics.&nbsp;For instance, Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray announced a tiranga yatra in Mumbai on Sunday in support of the protesters.&nbsp;Crucially, only the Indian tricolour will be displayed during the march instead of party flags.&nbsp;Yesterday’s clashes between protesters and security forces in Delhi also serve as a reminder that the situation remains fragile.&nbsp;If the government doesn’t address the growing feeling of distrust at the earliest, things may escalate further.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke warned the centre that protesters may even seek PM Modi’s resignation if their demands are not accepted. Veteran social activist Anna Hazare, who emerged as the face of the Jan Lokpal Bill agitation 15 years ago, took part in a silent protest at Ahilyanagar.

The protests in the national capital are swelling with students taking to the streets. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced a nationwide protest on Friday. In a powerful symbolic gesture, members of parliament belonging to the opposition I.N.D.I.A. Alliance headed to the Gandhi Smriti to remember the children who died by suicide after the NEET-UG exam was cancelled due to a large-scale paper leak. They expressed solidarity with the protesters and their demands, which also include a compensation of one crore rupees for the kin of the deceased NEET students. As tensions remain high, PM Narendra Modi stressed that nothing is more important than the welfare and future of the youths. He announced, “We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure SWIFT and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks.” On its part, the government said that it reached out to CJP for talks four times since Wednesday afternoon. However, the impasse continues as cabinet minister Jitendra Singh insisted that the talks will be held at the residence or office of Union health minister JP Nadda. https://www.wionews.com/videos/neet-protest-cjp-declares-nationwide-protest-on-july-24-1784828561408/embed Jitendra Singh said, “The talks could be held at Shri Nadda ji’s office or residence, whichever of the two you wish to. Because you appreciate as much as I do, that without talks, without dialogue, we cannot find a solution.” But protesters accused the government of spreading misinformation and asked it to contact them directly. It has agreed to meet ministers at either Jantar Mantar or a neutral venue near the protest site. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke also warned the centre that protesters may even seek PM Modi’s resignation in the near future if their demands are not accepted. Meanwhile, veteran social activist Anna Hazare, who emerged as the face of the Jan Lokpal Bill agitation fifteen years ago, participated in a silent protest at Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar. Backing the demand for Pradhan’s ouster, he also wrote a letter to PM Modi to engage in a positive dialogue with protesters in the true spirit of Gandhian principles. Supreme Court lawyers also held a protest titled ‘Save Democracy, Save Constitution’. As part of this, lawyers including senior advocates Indira Jaising and Sanjay Hegde as well as retired high court chief justice S Muralidhar, recited the preamble to India’s constitution. Earlier in the day, opposition parties held a protest outside parliament demanding Pradhan’s resignation. On the other hand, MPs of the ruling National Democratic Alliance held a counter-protest, accusing the opposition of derailing the discussion by putting the precondition of Pradhan’s resignation. But a key question arises here. Why is the government not willing to consider even the possibility of sacking Pradhan? One of the possible reasons could be his track record in election management. As the state election in charge for the BJP, he ensured the party’s victory in assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh in 2022, Haryana in 2024 and Bihar last year. The government might also be wary of Pradhan’s ouster, as doing so may trigger a cascading effect, with the opposition seeking the resignation of other ministers. It is worth noting that a spate of resignations by ministers during the Congress-led UPA-II government from 2009 to 2014 is perceived to have given momentum to the BJP back then. The protests have now spread across the country. For instance, SFI activists held a march to the Lok Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, demanding Pradhan’s ouster. BJP-ruled West Bengal too witnessed massive protests over the NEET issue, with students holding a march at Park Circus in Kolkata. Now, has the crackdown on students angered young people even more? In a dramatic visual from Mumbai, a young girl stood in front of a Mumbai police vehicle which was taking away protesters. She raised slogans and questioned the police response to the protests. A video shared by Congress' Mumbai unit also sparked a row, in which a police driver is seen allegedly threatening youngsters that they will be framed in a drug case if they return to the protests. While the Maharashtra home department has taken serious cognizance of this video, with the said official being transferred. The government needs to bear in mind that such incidents will only complicate the current situation. It is increasingly clear that the government needs to have an independent line of communication with the protesters, keeping the political parties aside. While BJP is attacking the opposition for politicising the issue, it doesn’t solve the problem at hand. The other dimension is that political parties have also realised that protesters want to focus on their demands and not get entangled in politics. For instance, Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray announced a tiranga yatra in Mumbai on Sunday in support of the protesters. Crucially, only the Indian tricolour will be displayed during the march instead of party flags. Yesterday’s clashes between protesters and security forces in Delhi also serve as a reminder that the situation remains fragile. If the government doesn’t address the growing feeling of distrust at the earliest, things may escalate further.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke warned the centre that protesters may even seek PM Modi’s resignation if their demands are not accepted. Veteran social activist Anna Hazare, who emerged as the face of the Jan Lokpal Bill agitation 15 years ago, took part in a silent protest at Ahilyanagar.

CJP declares nationwide protest tomorrow amid Centre’s outreach for talks | Gravitas

Amid the CJP protests over NEET paper leaks, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a video message on Thursday (July 23), saying, "I am aware that a paper leak is no trivial matter; it is deeply distressing for lakhs of students and their parents. Consequently, several measures have been taken over the past two and a half months following the incident. The culprits have been arrested and are currently in jail. Our primary responsibility was to ensure that the students did not lose an academic year. Conducting the exams promptly was essential..."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cjp-declares-nationwide-protest-tomorrow-amid-centre-s-outreach-for-talks-1784832741560">CJP declares nationwide protest tomorrow amid Centre’s outreach for talks | Gravitas</a>&nbsp;In the video message shared on the social media platform X, the Indian PM said that the paper leak has caused pain to lakhs of students and their parents. He said that the government was determined to ensure such incidents were dealt with more effectively.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">More strict actions against paper leaks to come in tomorrow’s Cabinet! <a href="https://t.co/NRysBukk5U">pic.twitter.com/NRysBukk5U</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2080357811662492096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He added, “However, we are not the kind of people to be satisfied with just that. Therefore, I directed the concerned departments today to prepare a proposal for fast-track courts. The departments worked continuously and submitted the draft to me late at night. This draft includes provisions for fast-track courts and stricter penalties, and it will be discussed in the Cabinet tomorrow. It will be finalized after incorporating suggestions from Cabinet colleagues. As the second week of the Parliament session begins on Monday, we will make every effort to ensure this bill is passed by the House as soon as possible.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/your-protest-is-the-ultimate-neet-exam-mehbooba-mufti-tells-students-at-jantar-mantar-1784810303695">‘Your protest is ultimate NEET exam,’ Mehbooba tells students at Jantar Mantar</a>&nbsp;This comes amid nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and repeated disruptions in Parliament. The Opposition has been demanding a discussion on the issue as well as the resignation of the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

PM Modi addressed the NEET paper leak, highlighting culprit arrests and timely exams. He announced an upcoming parliamentary bill proposing fast-track courts and stricter penalties to protect students.

Amid the CJP protests over NEET paper leaks, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a video message on Thursday (July 23), saying, "I am aware that a paper leak is no trivial matter; it is deeply distressing for lakhs of students and their parents. Consequently, several measures have been taken over the past two and a half months following the incident. The culprits have been arrested and are currently in jail. Our primary responsibility was to ensure that the students did not lose an academic year. Conducting the exams promptly was essential..." Also read: CJP declares nationwide protest tomorrow amid Centre’s outreach for talks | Gravitas In the video message shared on the social media platform X, the Indian PM said that the paper leak has caused pain to lakhs of students and their parents. He said that the government was determined to ensure such incidents were dealt with more effectively.

PM Modi addressed the NEET paper leak, highlighting culprit arrests and timely exams. He announced an upcoming parliamentary bill proposing fast-track courts and stricter penalties to protect students.

‘Paper leak is no trivial matter’: PM Modi assures strict actions over NEET paper leak, promises fast-track courts

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress and INDIA bloc MPs are headed to Gandhi Smriti on Tees January Marg, for what he said would be to remember the students who lost their lives after the NEET paper leak and those injured during protests.&nbsp;“Right now, MPs and leaders of the INDIA alliance are peacefully heading to Gandhi Smriti on Tees January Marg,” Rahul Gandhi said in a statement, adding, "We go to remember the students we lost - the children driven to take their own lives after the NEET paper leak."&nbsp;&nbsp;“And we go to stand with the students who lie injured today - beaten for peacefully demanding justice and accountability.” Gandhi's post on X reads.&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking to reporters after reaching the site, Gandhi said the Opposition had first sought permission to march to India Gate before deciding to proceed to Gandhi Smriti.&nbsp;"Because our students are on the street, all the opposition MPs felt that we should also be on the street. We wanted all opposition MPs to go to India Gate, but they refused us. Then we said we want to go to Tees January Marg. Here, they have parked this bus, and the driver basically got off and abandoned it. We are not able to move forward. But the main message to the students is... We wanted to go to Tees January Marg symbolically because it's Gandhiji's assassination spot," he said.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Delhi Police warned demonstrators at the site that the sit-in would be declared illegal if they did not disperse peacefully. However, Congress workers continued their protest despite the warning.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, along with INDIA bloc MPs, heads to Gandhi Smriti from his residence <a href="https://t.co/Mwwx8BrDxH">pic.twitter.com/Mwwx8BrDxH</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2080293669350039800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Opposition protests over the NEET paper leak and police action against demonstrators during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)'s 'Chalo Sansad' intensified significantly on Monday. On Tuesday, senior leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav staged a sit-in outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on 7 Lok Kalyan Marg in Delhi. The leaders were later removed from the site and briefly detained by Delhi Police.&nbsp;Earlier in the day, both Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the fourth consecutive day amid opposition protests demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak issue. However, the government maintained that it was ready for an immediate debate without preconditions.

Rahul Gandhi led opposition MPs to Gandhi Smriti in solidarity with students affected by the NEET paper leak, as the opposition continued its protests over the issue and police action against demonstrators.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress and INDIA bloc MPs are headed to Gandhi Smriti on Tees January Marg, for what he said would be to remember the students who lost their lives after the NEET paper leak and those injured during protests. “Right now, MPs and leaders of the INDIA alliance are peacefully heading to Gandhi Smriti on Tees January Marg,” Rahul Gandhi said in a statement, adding, "We go to remember the students we lost - the children driven to take their own lives after the NEET paper leak." “And we go to stand with the students who lie injured today - beaten for peacefully demanding justice and accountability.” Gandhi's post on X reads. Speaking to reporters after reaching the site, Gandhi said the Opposition had first sought permission to march to India Gate before deciding to proceed to Gandhi Smriti. "Because our students are on the street, all the opposition MPs felt that we should also be on the street. We wanted all opposition MPs to go to India Gate, but they refused us. Then we said we want to go to Tees January Marg. Here, they have parked this bus, and the driver basically got off and abandoned it. We are not able to move forward. But the main message to the students is... We wanted to go to Tees January Marg symbolically because it's Gandhiji's assassination spot," he said. Meanwhile, Delhi Police warned demonstrators at the site that the sit-in would be declared illegal if they did not disperse peacefully. However, Congress workers continued their protest despite the warning.

Rahul Gandhi led opposition MPs to Gandhi Smriti in solidarity with students affected by the NEET paper leak, as the opposition continued its protests over the issue and police action against demonstrators.

Rahul Gandhi leads opposition MPs to Gandhi Smriti to support students amid NEET paper leak protests

Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti addressed students at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Thursday and described their ongoing struggle over the NEET controversy as the “ultimate NEET exam” while urging them to remain steadfast in their demand for fairness and accountability.&nbsp;Speaking to students gathered for the protest, Mufti said the sacrifices they had made by leaving their homes and families and enduring difficult conditions reflected a test of courage and determination.&nbsp;“The fact that you have left behind your homes and families to toil here in this heat, this is the ultimate NEET exam for you. There must be no ‘leak’ in this test,” she said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-plant-50-gm-mumbai-cop-shunted-for-threatening-to-fabricate-drug-charges-on-protesters-probe-ordered-1784805108224">‘Will plant 50gm’: Mumbai cop shunted for threatening to fabricate drug charges on protesters; probe ordered</a>&nbsp;Mufti argued that the outcome of the students’ movement would have consequences beyond the entrance examination itself. She said that a successful campaign would send a strong message against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and reinforce the principle that public institutions must be held accountable.&nbsp;In an address that linked the students’ protest to broader issues of governance and justice, she said victory would mean that “no one will ever dare to leak a NEET paper again”. She also referred to other issues, including alleged corruption and crime against women, saying that public accountability must extend across all spheres.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/standing-invitation-sent-four-proposals-centre-invites-cjp-again-for-talks-1784801202195">‘Standing invitation, sent four proposals’: Centre invites CJP again for talks</a>&nbsp;Framing the movement as a defence of constitutional values, Mufti invoked Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and said the students’ struggle was ultimately about protecting democracy and the rule of law.&nbsp;“If you emerge victorious, our Constitution will triumph. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution will triumph. Our democracy will triumph,” she said.&nbsp;Mehbooba also hailed the families supporting aspiring students and said the struggle represents the hopes of parents who make financial sacrifices to fund their children’s education and of young people whose futures depend on a fair examination process.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said the outcome of the students’ movement would have consequences beyond entrance exams and its success would send a strong message against alleged irregularities in competitive exams and reinforce the principle that public institutions must be held accountable.

Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti addressed students at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Thursday and described their ongoing struggle over the NEET controversy as the “ultimate NEET exam” while urging them to remain steadfast in their demand for fairness and accountability. Speaking to students gathered for the protest, Mufti said the sacrifices they had made by leaving their homes and families and enduring difficult conditions reflected a test of courage and determination. “The fact that you have left behind your homes and families to toil here in this heat, this is the ultimate NEET exam for you. There must be no ‘leak’ in this test,” she said. Also Read: ‘Will plant 50gm’: Mumbai cop shunted for threatening to fabricate drug charges on protesters; probe ordered Mufti argued that the outcome of the students’ movement would have consequences beyond the entrance examination itself. She said that a successful campaign would send a strong message against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and reinforce the principle that public institutions must be held accountable. In an address that linked the students’ protest to broader issues of governance and justice, she said victory would mean that “no one will ever dare to leak a NEET paper again”. She also referred to other issues, including alleged corruption and crime against women, saying that public accountability must extend across all spheres. Also Read: ‘Standing invitation, sent four proposals’: Centre invites CJP again for talks Framing the movement as a defence of constitutional values, Mufti invoked Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and said the students’ struggle was ultimately about protecting democracy and the rule of law. “If you emerge victorious, our Constitution will triumph. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution will triumph. Our democracy will triumph,” she said. Mehbooba also hailed the families supporting aspiring students and said the struggle represents the hopes of parents who make financial sacrifices to fund their children’s education and of young people whose futures depend on a fair examination process.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said the outcome of the students’ movement would have consequences beyond entrance exams, and its success would send a strong message against alleged irregularities in competitive exams and reinforce the principle that public institutions must be held accountable.

‘Your protest is the ultimate NEET exam,’ Mehbooba Mufti tells students at Jantar Mantar

Former India batter Shikhar Dhawan has posted a note on Instagram amid the ongoing protest in New Delhi's Jantar Mantar regarding educational reforms. The protesters, on July 20, were et with police which used force to stop them from marching to the Parliament, which is in close vicinity of the protest site. Dhawan's statement comes after 2011 ODI World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh posted a message on Thursday (Jul 22). In his post, Dhawan acknowledged "youth are the future of our country" but called for "faith in the country's institutions and government."<h2>Shikhar Dhawan's post on NEET paper leak protest</h2>The protest started demanding resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid the leak of NEET competitive exam. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, meanwhile, continues to be on a hunger strike despite being picked up from the protest site on July 18."Our youth are the future of our country. It is important to understand their dreams, but at the same time, it is equally important to have patience during difficult times and maintain faith in the country's institutions and government. I believe that the solution to every challenge comes from patience. India has always moved forward and will continue to move forward in the future," Dhawan wrote in his post.<h2>What is PM Narendra Modi saying about the protest?</h2>Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, shared a post on X which read: "Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared."

Dhawan's statement comes after 2011 ODI World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh posted a message on Thursday (Jul 22). In his post, Dhawan acknowledged "youth are the future of our country" but called for "faith in the country's institutions and government."

Former India batter Shikhar Dhawan has posted a note on Instagram amid the ongoing protest in New Delhi's Jantar Mantar regarding educational reforms. The protesters, on July 20, were et with police which used force to stop them from marching to the Parliament, which is in close vicinity of the protest site. Dhawan's statement comes after 2011 ODI World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh posted a message on Thursday (Jul 22). In his post, Dhawan acknowledged "youth are the future of our country" but called for "faith in the country's institutions and government." Shikhar Dhawan's post on NEET paper leak protest The protest started demanding resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid the leak of NEET competitive exam. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, meanwhile, continues to be on a hunger strike despite being picked up from the protest site on July 18. "Our youth are the future of our country. It is important to understand their dreams, but at the same time, it is equally important to have patience during difficult times and maintain faith in the country's institutions and government. I believe that the solution to every challenge comes from patience. India has always moved forward and will continue to move forward in the future," Dhawan wrote in his post. What is PM Narendra Modi saying about the protest? Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, shared a post on X which read: "Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared."

Dhawan's statement comes after 2011 ODI World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh posted a message on Thursday (Jul 22). In his post, Dhawan acknowledged "youth are the future of our country" but called for "faith in the country's institutions and government."

'Youth are future but maintain faith in the country's institutions and government,' says Shikhar Dhawan on NEET protest

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces the setting up of fast-track courts to ensure swift and strict punishment for those involved in paper leak cases, as protests over the NEET paper leak controversy continue in New Delhi.

The Prime Minister said that protecting the future of India's youth is the government's top priority and assured that those who try to harm students' careers will not be spared. Meanwhile, the protest led by student groups continues at Jantar Mantar, with fresh clashes reported between protesters and police. Delhi Police said some individuals attacked officers with stones and bottles, leaving several personnel injured, including senior police officials.

PM Modi announces Fast Track Courts for NEET Paper Leak cases amid Jantar Mantar Protests & clashes

Get the latest global headlines, breaking news updates, and major developments from India and around the world.

In today's bulletin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces fast-track courts for paper leak cases, assuring strict action against those affecting the future of India's youth amid ongoing student protests and political tensions.

Meanwhile, China-India relations take a diplomatic turn as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says Beijing is ready to handle sensitive issues with New Delhi and strengthen cooperation during talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

In the Middle East, US forces continue strikes on Iran, targeting military facilities, missile sites, drone systems, maritime assets, and air defense networks as tensions between Washington and Tehran escalate.

Other top stories include:

Saudi vessel hit in Red Sea as Houthi rebels claim tanker attack
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Ukraine peace efforts continue with US diplomatic talks
Deadly attacks in Nigeria and Thailand raise security concerns
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Samsung semiconductor bonus dispute sparks worker tensions
Global climate, economy, technology, and geopolitical updates

Watch the full episode for the latest world news, international affairs, geopolitics, breaking news, economy, technology, and current affairs updates.



PM Modi's Paper leak crackdown | US-Iran war escalation | China-India talks & global Crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the formation of fast-track courts to ensure swift justice in NEET paper leak cases, saying that the future of India's youth cannot be compromised. His remarks come as the CJP-led protest in New Delhi intensifies, with fresh clashes reported between protesters and police near Jantar Mantar. Heavy security has been deployed, multiple Delhi Metro stations remain closed, and protesters continue demanding the resignation of the Education Minister.

PM Modi announces fast-track courts over NEET Paper Leak | CJP protest intensifies in Delhi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (July 23) has broken his silence on the students' protest in New Delhi over examination paper leaks and said that his government has decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure “swift and stringent punishment” for those involved in irregularities. He also said that "nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth.” Amid a growing crowd in New Delhi's Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, PM Modi, in a post on X, vowed to not spare those who try to harm the future of our youth. He said that he has directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps to set up fast-track courts. The Indian PM said that it is in continuation with the series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260723/image-1784779403999.png"></figure>&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dharmendra-pradhan-s-daughter-deactivates-ig-linkedin-as-protesters-demand-her-father-s-resignation-target-her-university-page-1784774169422">Dharmendra Pradhan's daughter deactivates IG, LinkedIn as protesters demand her father's resignation, target her university page</a>&nbsp;However, he did not mention anything about Pradhan's resignation. He also did not mention the word NEET or refer to the students who died by suicide after the leaks. Neither did the PM mention anything about the Parliament march on Jul 20, in which several videos showed police baton-charging the protesters and chasing and abusing them. He also did not mention Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) or activist Sonam Wangchuk in his post.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-announces-fast-track-courts-over-neet-paper-leak-cjp-protest-intensifies-in-delhi-1784781743423/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-announces-fast-track-courts-over-neet-paper-leak-cjp-protest-intensifies-in-delhi-1784781743423/embed</a>&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-calls-for-resignation-dharmendra-pradhan-s-1997-student-protest-against-paper-leak-surfaces-1784709415316">Dharmendra Pradhan's 1997 paper leak protest surfaces amid calls for resignation</a><h2>Protest at Jantar Mantar</h2>The protest at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar that was initially started by CJP - a satirical platform formed online after India's Chief Justice Surya Kant called unemployed youths of the country as “cockroaches” while hearing a case. Though he later clarified that his comments were taken out of context, CJP gained traction and decided to take their movement outside the world of internet. CJP members formed a group and began their protest at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar demanding resignation of the Union Education Minister. Days later, activist Sonam Wangchuk also joined the protesters and started a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. The protest has been going on for over a month now with protesters demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and greater accountability in matters of education in the country.

PM Modi has finally addressed the student protests over alleged examination irregularities, announcing plans to establish fast-track courts for the “swift and stringent punishment” of those involved in paper leaks.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (July 23) has broken his silence on the students' protest in New Delhi over examination paper leaks and said that his government has decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure “swift and stringent punishment” for those involved in irregularities. He also said that "nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth.” Amid a growing crowd in New Delhi's Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, PM Modi, in a post on X, vowed to not spare those who try to harm the future of our youth. He said that he has directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps to set up fast-track courts. The Indian PM said that it is in continuation with the series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan's daughter deactivates IG, LinkedIn as protesters demand her father's resignation, target her university page However, he did not mention anything about Pradhan's resignation. He also did not mention the word NEET or refer to the students who died by suicide after the leaks. Neither did the PM mention anything about the Parliament march on Jul 20, in which several videos showed police baton-charging the protesters and chasing and abusing them. He also did not mention Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) or activist Sonam Wangchuk in his post. https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-announces-fast-track-courts-over-neet-paper-leak-cjp-protest-intensifies-in-delhi-1784781743423/embed

PM Modi has addressed the student protests over alleged examination irregularities, announcing plans to establish fast-track courts for the “swift and stringent punishment” of those involved in paper leaks.

'Nothing is more important than...': PM Modi announces BIG decision as Delhi student protest grows

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has broken his silence on the CJP-led student protest over the NEET paper leak controversy. Calling the movement peaceful, Salman expressed concern over the violence during the demonstrations and described the paper leak as a serious issue. He praised students for demanding a better education system, urged the government to respond positively, and emphasized that the issue should not be politicised.

Salman Khan backs CJP-Led student protest | Says NEET paper leak must not be politicised

The NEET paper leak protests intensified in New Delhi after fresh clashes erupted between protesters and police near Jantar Mantar. The CJP-led agitation has vowed to continue until the Education Minister resigns. Several police personnel were reportedly injured as protesters clashed with security forces. Activist Sonam Wangchuk has also outlined key demands, including justice for students, compensation for affected families, and accountability over the exam paper leak issue. Parliament remains deadlocked over the timing and format of the debate on the NEET controversy.

CJP escalates agitation after fresh Delhi clashes | students demand education minister's resignation

Opposition Members of Parliament arrived in black attire to protest inside the Parliament premises over the NEET controversy, the alleged crackdown on student protesters in Delhi, and the government's handling of the education crisis. Congress leader Pawan Khera said the black clothing symbolizes the Opposition's protest against the treatment of students, the continued tenure of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and the government's response to nationwide student unrest.


Opposition parties stage parliament protest, Rahul Gandhi backs protesters

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is addressing a press conference at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi. The presser comes amidst the ongoing protests demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him responsible for the recent NEET paper leaks. A day after being detained during a protest outside PM Modi's residence, Rahul Gandhi and all the MPs of the Opposition parties arrived in Parliament dressed in black as a symbolic protest over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, demanding accountability and action from the government. Congress MP Pawan Khera said his party, Rahul Gandhi and each one of his soldiers is standing with the youth of this country.



BREAKING | CJP protest: Rahul Gandhi addresses media as congress steps up neet protest campaign

The NEET protest has intensified in New Delhi as opposition leaders joined students demanding education reforms and accountability over alleged exam paper leaks. MPs arrived in Parliament wearing black in protest while thousands gathered at Jantar Mantar, calling for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and sweeping changes to India's entrance examination system. Heavy security remains deployed as political tensions continue to rise.

NEET Protest Intensifies: Opposition MPs wear black, students demand education reforms

The NEET examination controversy has triggered fresh political confrontation in New Delhi as Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Akhilesh Yadav, and other opposition leaders staged protests demanding education reforms and accountability over alleged exam paper leaks. Several leaders were briefly detained after demonstrating outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. Meanwhile, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defended the government's position, stating that the Centre is committed to discussing the NEET issue in Parliament while accusing the opposition of politicizing students' concerns. Here's everything you need to know about the latest developments in the nationwide education reform protests.

NEET row escalates: Opposition protests outside PM Modi’s residence, Centre responds | CJP Protest

Protests demanding education reforms intensified in New Delhi as opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Akhilesh Yadav, were briefly detained after marching toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence. The demonstrations centered on the NEET controversy, alleged exam paper leaks, and demands for accountability. Meanwhile, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused the opposition of politicizing student concerns, saying the government remains committed to addressing education issues in Parliament.

NEET Protest: Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi detained amid massive NEET protest in New Delhi 

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Jul 21) has broken his silence on the paper leak that rocked the students appearing for medical entrance exam - the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET-UG. Addressing the NDA Member of Parliaments (MPs) in NDA Parliamentary meet on Day 2 of Monsoon Session named as 'Mangal Milan' meeting, PM said that paper leak was a “national responsibility” and the Centre and States must join hands to ensure no such thing take place in future. The PM's statement was shared with media through Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. He said that the prime minister stressed that the youth of the country will not only be given full assurance for the prevention of future paper leaks, but will also be shown that they can take a leadership role in the world.&nbsp;"Regarding the NEET exam, the Prime Minister stated that the government took immediate action upon receiving reports of irregularities; thirteen individuals were arrested and jailed. Furthermore, prioritising the students' futures, a re-examination was successfully conducted without delay in declaring the results... He also outlined the stringent steps being taken to avert future leaks... He stressed the need to punish the guilty and collaboratively establish a foolproof system."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/guru-is-the-indian-education-minister-dharmendra-pradhan-shares-message-on-education-amid-calls-for-his-resignation-1784602204214">'Guru is the...': Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan shares message on education amid calls for his resignation</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Delhi: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says, &quot;...Prime Minister Modi has stressed that the youth of the country will not only be given full assurance for the prevention of future paper leaks, but also to show them ways so that the youth of India can take a leadership role in the… <a href="https://t.co/cEczhwqy1B">pic.twitter.com/cEczhwqy1B</a>&mdash; IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://x.com/ians_india/status/2079437926988210344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What we know about NEET paper leaks?</h2>The NEET UG paper was leaked after the examination was held in May this year. The re-test was conducted late last month. Since then, several students and their families have demanded greater accountability from teh government. At least 21 students have died by suicide after the paper leak. Scattered demands united under a banner of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which was born as a satirical platform on social media. Its creation was triggered by remarks made by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant who called unemployed youths as “cockroaches” while hearing a case. He later said that his comments were taken out of context. However, CJP members formed a group and began their protest at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar demanding resignation of the Union Education Minister.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/protesters-turned-unruly-delhi-police-says-over-118-personnel-injured-during-parliament-march-chaos-1784597306735">'Protesters turned unruly...': Delhi Police say over 118 personnel injured during Parliament march chaos, FIR registered</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday (July 21) shared a post about education amid calls for his resignation. Security has been beefed up outside the residence. He attended the Parliament on the first day of the Monsoon Session on July 21, while protesters demanded his resignation a few kilometres away. Even as he faced reporters, he spoke nothing about the protest.<h2>What we know about protest related to NEET paper leaks</h2>Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda met representatives from Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) as they demanded Pradhan's resignation. They also demanded activist Sonam Wangchuk's immediate release from Safdarjung Hospital and financial aid for families of students who died by suicide after NEET paper leak. Wangchuk is on hunger strike since 22 days and has demanded accountability of the government on matters related to education. CJP has also resumed their protest at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar, after their Parliament march on Jul 20 ended in chaos. Students and activists who came to Jantar Mantar for the march were brutally beaten and baton-charged by Delhi Police.

PM Modi told NDA MPs that the Centre and states must work together to prevent future paper leaks, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said. He added that the government aims to assure India's youth of stronger safeguards and help them take a leadership role globally amid the CJP protest.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Jul 21) has broken his silence on the paper leak that rocked the students appearing for medical entrance exam - the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET-UG. Addressing the NDA Member of Parliaments (MPs) in NDA Parliamentary meet on Day 2 of Monsoon Session named as 'Mangal Milan' meeting, PM said that paper leak was a “national responsibility” and the Centre and States must join hands to ensure no such thing take place in future. The PM's statement was shared with media through Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. He said that the prime minister stressed that the youth of the country will not only be given full assurance for the prevention of future paper leaks, but will also be shown that they can take a leadership role in the world. "Regarding the NEET exam, the Prime Minister stated that the government took immediate action upon receiving reports of irregularities; thirteen individuals were arrested and jailed. Furthermore, prioritising the students' futures, a re-examination was successfully conducted without delay in declaring the results... He also outlined the stringent steps being taken to avert future leaks... He stressed the need to punish the guilty and collaboratively establish a foolproof system." Also Read: 'Guru is the...': Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan shares message on education amid calls for his resignation

PM Modi told NDA MPs that the Centre and states must work together to prevent future paper leaks, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said. He added that the government aims to assure India's youth of stronger safeguards and help them take a leadership role globally amid the CJP protest.

'We acted immediately...': Indian PM Modi breaks silence on paper leaks as NEET protest, calls for Education Minister's resignation grows

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday (Jul 17) launched a sharp attack on the Centre over repeated examination paper leaks, alleging that India’s education system has reached a stage where leaked question papers are being sold at fixed prices and advanced technology is being misused to manipulate recruitment and entrance exams.Addressing the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ rally in Dehradun, Gandhi claimed that paper leaks have become “institutionalised” and that honest students are suffering because of a system that benefits a select few. During his speech, he displayed a series of graphics to highlight what he described as the scale of the problem.One of the graphics, titled “Paper Ka Rate”, showed alleged prices of leaked examination papers. Gandhi listed alleged prices of leaked papers such as NEET UG 2026 for Rs 40 lakhs, IIT-JEE 2021 and Uttarakhand Patwari 2025 for Rs 15 lakhs, Bihar Teacher Recruitment 2024 for Rs 10 lakhs and Odisha Police Sub-Inspector 2025 for Rs 25 lakhs.“If you have crores, you can select from a menu card of paper leaks,” Gandhi claimed, alleging that sophisticated technology was being used to compromise the examination process.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rs-5-lakh-for-neet-questions-cbi-uncovers-conspiracy-behind-paper-leak-1784186292410">Rs 5 lakh for NEET questions: CBI uncovers conspiracy behind paper leak</a>The Congress leader said students face four major injustices – the rising cost of education, limited opportunities, intense competition and the recurring issue of paper leaks. He alleged that the education system has reached a point where “paper leaks have become the norm”.Gandhi also presented a graphic titled “Paper Leak Epidemic”, claiming that millions of students have been affected by hundreds of alleged paper leak cases, while questioning the lack of convictions.Targeting the entire examination ecosystem, Gandhi alleged that multiple layers, including exam agencies, vendors, printers, paper setters, transporters, coaching centres and examination centres, need accountability. He claimed that a small group exploiting the system harms the majority of honest students.Calling for immediate measures, Gandhi demanded compensation and protection for students affected by paper leaks, along with fresh examinations wherever required. He urged the government to move towards a “student-centric” examination model with secure question banks and randomised papers. Gandhi said India needs to replace the current system with a technology-driven 21st-century framework. He also appealed for political consensus to end paper leaks, saying the issue should not become a matter of partisan politics. &nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of allowing paper leaks to become institutionalised, claiming leaked exam papers are sold for lakhs. He demanded secure, student-centric reforms to fix India’s exam system.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday (Jul 17) launched a sharp attack on the Centre over repeated examination paper leaks, alleging that India’s education system has reached a stage where leaked question papers are being sold at fixed prices and advanced technology is being misused to manipulate recruitment and entrance exams. Addressing the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ rally in Dehradun, Gandhi claimed that paper leaks have become “institutionalised” and that honest students are suffering because of a system that benefits a select few. During his speech, he displayed a series of graphics to highlight what he described as the scale of the problem. One of the graphics, titled “Paper Ka Rate”, showed alleged prices of leaked examination papers. Gandhi listed alleged prices of leaked papers such as NEET UG 2026 for Rs 40 lakhs, IIT-JEE 2021 and Uttarakhand Patwari 2025 for Rs 15 lakhs, Bihar Teacher Recruitment 2024 for Rs 10 lakhs and Odisha Police Sub-Inspector 2025 for Rs 25 lakhs. “If you have crores, you can select from a menu card of paper leaks,” Gandhi claimed, alleging that sophisticated technology was being used to compromise the examination process. Also read | Rs 5 lakh for NEET questions: CBI uncovers conspiracy behind paper leak The Congress leader said students face four major injustices – the rising cost of education, limited opportunities, intense competition and the recurring issue of paper leaks. He alleged that the education system has reached a point where “paper leaks have become the norm”. Gandhi also presented a graphic titled “Paper Leak Epidemic”, claiming that millions of students have been affected by hundreds of alleged paper leak cases, while questioning the lack of convictions. Targeting the entire examination ecosystem, Gandhi alleged that multiple layers, including exam agencies, vendors, printers, paper setters, transporters, coaching centres and examination centres, need accountability. He claimed that a small group exploiting the system harms the majority of honest students. Calling for immediate measures, Gandhi demanded compensation and protection for students affected by paper leaks, along with fresh examinations wherever required. He urged the government to move towards a “student-centric” examination model with secure question banks and randomised papers. Gandhi said India needs to replace the current system with a technology-driven 21st-century framework. He also appealed for political consensus to end paper leaks, saying the issue should not become a matter of partisan politics.

Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of allowing paper leaks to become institutionalised, claiming leaked exam papers are sold for lakhs. He demanded secure, student-centric reforms to fix India’s exam system.

‘Menu card of paper leaks’: Rahul Gandhi claims NEET question paper being sold for Rs 40 lakhs

As the probe continues into the NEET paper leak case, the Central Bureau of Investigation uncovered that a coaching centre owner, Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar, based in Maharashtra’s Latur, allegedly paid a bribe of Rs 5 lakh to obtain chemistry questions before the examination. In response to a bail plea filed by Motegaonkar, the agency said that he procured NEET (UG) leaked chemistry questions in conspiracy with the co-accused.The CBI told a special court that Motegaonkar procured the questions from P V Kulkarni, who was on the National Testing Agency (NTA) panel that set the questions for the examination. His son attended the coaching classes of Kulkarni where the questions were provided.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-railways-hidden-loss-linen-items-worth-more-than-rs-100-crore-stolen-since-2022-1783937270330">Indian Railways’ hidden loss: Linen items worth more than Rs 100 crore stolen since 2022</a>The agency said that Motegaonkar prepared handwritten notes from the questions provided in Kulkarni’s chemistry tutorial classes. Investigators recovered 36 images from his phone, five of which were duplicates, containing 132 handwritten questions of chemistry. Out of those questions, 111 allegedly matched the questions in the NTA’s master question sets prepared for NEET (UG) 2026, the CBI said.The questions were reportedly in the handwriting of Motegaonkar. According to the metadata analysis, the pictures were taken about 10 days before the NEET (UG) examination, which happened on May 3."Incriminating notes of chemistry questions relating to NEET UG 2026, allegedly in the handwriting of ... Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar was recovered from his mobile phone. The money allegedly paid for sourcing the leaked questions was recovered by CBI at the instance of co-accused Manoj Bhagwanrao Shirure,” the agency said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-did-the-alleged-ram-temple-donation-theft-happen-sit-points-to-nine-major-lapses-1783916801174">How did the alleged Ram Temple donation theft happen? SIT points to nine major lapses</a>So far, the CBI has arrested 13 individuals in the case, all of whom are in judicial custody.On May 12, the National Testing Agency (NTA) scrapped the May 3 National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET-UG, following allegations that the question paper had been leaked. A fresh examination was subsequently conducted on June 21. The incident has faced backlash from students, educationalists, and leaders.Watch | Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike reaches day 18, now the courts are involved | WION Originals<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sonam-wangchuk-s-hunger-strike-reaches-day-18-now-the-courts-are-involved-wion-originals-1784184130332/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/sonam-wangchuk-s-hunger-strike-reaches-day-18-now-the-courts-are-involved-wion-originals-1784184130332/embed</a>&nbsp;

CBI told a special court that a Latur coaching owner paid Rs 5 lakh to obtain leaked NEET-UG 2026 chemistry questions. Handwritten notes matching 111 exam questions were recovered from his phone.

As the probe continues into the NEET paper leak case, the Central Bureau of Investigation uncovered that a coaching centre owner, Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar, based in Maharashtra’s Latur, allegedly paid a bribe of Rs 5 lakh to obtain chemistry questions before the examination. In response to a bail plea filed by Motegaonkar, the agency said that he procured NEET (UG) leaked chemistry questions in conspiracy with the co-accused. The CBI told a special court that Motegaonkar procured the questions from P V Kulkarni, who was on the National Testing Agency (NTA) panel that set the questions for the examination. His son attended the coaching classes of Kulkarni where the questions were provided. Also read | Indian Railways’ hidden loss: Linen items worth more than Rs 100 crore stolen since 2022 The agency said that Motegaonkar prepared handwritten notes from the questions provided in Kulkarni’s chemistry tutorial classes. Investigators recovered 36 images from his phone, five of which were duplicates, containing 132 handwritten questions of chemistry. Out of those questions, 111 allegedly matched the questions in the NTA’s master question sets prepared for NEET (UG) 2026, the CBI said. The questions were reportedly in the handwriting of Motegaonkar. According to the metadata analysis, the pictures were taken about 10 days before the NEET (UG) examination, which happened on May 3. "Incriminating notes of chemistry questions relating to NEET UG 2026, allegedly in the handwriting of ... Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar was recovered from his mobile phone. The money allegedly paid for sourcing the leaked questions was recovered by CBI at the instance of co-accused Manoj Bhagwanrao Shirure,” the agency said. Also read | How did the alleged Ram Temple donation theft happen? SIT points to nine major lapses So far, the CBI has arrested 13 individuals in the case, all of whom are in judicial custody. On May 12, the National Testing Agency (NTA) scrapped the May 3 National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET-UG, following allegations that the question paper had been leaked. A fresh examination was subsequently conducted on June 21. The incident has faced backlash from students, educationalists, and leaders. Watch | Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike reaches day 18, now the courts are involved | WION Originals https://www.wionews.com/videos/sonam-wangchuk-s-hunger-strike-reaches-day-18-now-the-courts-are-involved-wion-originals-1784184130332/embed

CBI told a special court that a Latur coaching owner paid Rs 5 lakh to obtain leaked NEET-UG 2026 chemistry questions. Handwritten notes matching 111 exam questions were recovered from his phone.

Rs 5 lakh for NEET questions: CBI uncovers conspiracy behind paper leak

The Delhi High Court will hear a PIL seeking urgent medical intervention for Sonam Wangchuk, who entered Day 17 of his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET paper leak.

The Delhi High Court will hear a PIL seeking urgent medical intervention for Sonam Wangchuk, who entered Day 17 of his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET paper leak.

'He may die...': Delhi HC wants Indian govt's response in plea seeking to 'force-feed' Sonam Wangchuk; BIG hearing today

Nationwide security has been significantly intensified for the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for Sunday from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM. Security has been significantly heightened outside several centres in the national capital, including CM SHRI School at Pandara Road. Alongside these stringent security measures, the state government has set up special cooling zones outside a centre to provide relief from the intense summer heat in the national capital. Special waiting arrangements have been made for the convenience of students appearing for the examination, as well as their parents and family members. In Raichur, examination staff asked students to remove chains and other restricted accessories. Tight security arrangements are made by the police at examination centres. Authorities are conducting thorough verification and security checks to ensure a fair and smooth examination process. In Mangalore, preparations are in full swing for the exam at Government Pre-University (PU) College for Women in Balmatta, which is one of the centres. The papers were transported under the supervision of security personnel. A student told ANI, "I have prepared well. The previous time I got more than 550 plus." In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for Security-I, Priti Tiwari, highlighted the security measures for smooth examination. "The police have taken out all the materials under very tight security, with complete security and traffic arrangements in place, and under the supervision of the CP, they are being safely transported to their respective centres. The area has been divided into four zones, and the DCPs are monitoring and issuing instructions in all the zones," she said. The NEET-UG reexam will be held today, and extensive security and logistical arrangements have been put in place for the smooth and fair conduct of the examination. More than 22.79 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the examination at 5,440 centres across 551 cities in India and 14 centres abroad. The exam was rescheduled due to an alleged "paper leak", and CBI, which is probing the case, has made several arrests. CBSE students had also faced problems related to the re-evaluation process. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday expressed his faith in the National Testing Agency, state governments and people in the education sector and conveyed his best wishes to students sitting for the NEET-UG exam, stating that they should appear in the test without worry and fear.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

More than 22.79 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the examination at 5,440 centres across 551 cities in India and 14 centres abroad.

Nationwide security has been significantly intensified for the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for Sunday from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM. Security has been significantly heightened outside several centres in the national capital, including CM SHRI School at Pandara Road. Alongside these stringent security measures, the state government has set up special cooling zones outside a centre to provide relief from the intense summer heat in the national capital. Special waiting arrangements have been made for the convenience of students appearing for the examination, as well as their parents and family members. In Raichur, examination staff asked students to remove chains and other restricted accessories. Tight security arrangements are made by the police at examination centres. Authorities are conducting thorough verification and security checks to ensure a fair and smooth examination process. In Mangalore, preparations are in full swing for the exam at Government Pre-University (PU) College for Women in Balmatta, which is one of the centres. The papers were transported under the supervision of security personnel. A student told ANI, "I have prepared well. The previous time I got more than 550 plus." In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for Security-I, Priti Tiwari, highlighted the security measures for smooth examination. "The police have taken out all the materials under very tight security, with complete security and traffic arrangements in place, and under the supervision of the CP, they are being safely transported to their respective centres. The area has been divided into four zones, and the DCPs are monitoring and issuing instructions in all the zones," she said. The NEET-UG reexam will be held today, and extensive security and logistical arrangements have been put in place for the smooth and fair conduct of the examination. More than 22.79 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the examination at 5,440 centres across 551 cities in India and 14 centres abroad. The exam was rescheduled due to an alleged "paper leak", and CBI, which is probing the case, has made several arrests. CBSE students had also faced problems related to the re-evaluation process. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday expressed his faith in the National Testing Agency, state governments and people in the education sector and conveyed his best wishes to students sitting for the NEET-UG exam, stating that they should appear in the test without worry and fear. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

More than 22.79 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the examination at 5,440 centres across 551 cities in India and 14 centres abroad.

NEET-UG re-exam: Tight security outside centres across nation

Just hours before the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, a bizarre admit card mix-up involving a student from Nagpur sparked outrage online, raised fresh questions about the National Testing Agency's preparedness and handed critics another example of the examination body's ongoing credibility crisis. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to conduct a re-examination of the 2026 NEET-UG exam on June 22 (Sunday) after the test was cancelled on May 3 due to a damning paper leak.<h2>From Nagpur to Abu Dhabi: NEET exam centre controversy explodes before re-examination</h2>The controversy began when a NEET aspirant from Nagpur downloaded his revised admit card and discovered that his examination centre had been allotted not in Maharashtra, but in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.The student had earlier appeared at a centre in Nagpur during the original NEET-UG examination conducted on May 3. Following the cancellation of the exam over the paper leak scandal and the announcement of a re-test, he expected to receive a centre in or around his home city.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-re-exam-fresh-scam-surfaces-despite-telegram-ban-rajasthan-youth-arrested-for-selling-fake-papers-1781937484501">NEET re-exam: Rajasthan youth arrested for selling fake papers on Telegram; Fresh scam surfaces despite app ban</a>Instead, the new admit card listed Abu Dhabi Indian School in the UAE.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NEET aspirant Abdullah Mohammad Talib has been allotted an exam centre in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for June 21 <a href="https://t.co/z1vWFXjap7">pic.twitter.com/z1vWFXjap7</a>&mdash; IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://x.com/ians_india/status/2068202521651527984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to the family, the candidate had selected Nagpur as his first preference during registration, followed by Wardha and Bhandara. The unexpected overseas allocation left them stunned."We are completely unable to send our child abroad for the exam. He does not even have a passport, and there is no time left to make travel arrangements," his father Mohammad Talib said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Nagpur, Maharashtra: Mohammad Talib, father of NEET aspirant Abdullah Mohammad Talib, has claimed that his son was allotted an exam centre in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for June 21, despite having preferred centres in Nagpur, Wardha, and Bhandara.… <a href="https://t.co/8PqCpbNq7X">pic.twitter.com/8PqCpbNq7X</a>&mdash; IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://x.com/ians_india/status/2068201271526646029?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Online controversy explodes</h2>The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with students, parents and political leaders questioning how such an error could occur during a high-stakes examination already under intense scrutiny.<h2>Rahul Gandhi slams NTA: 'Just testing the patience of the country's children and their parents'</h2>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi seized on the controversy, arguing that it reflected deeper problems within India's examination system. In a post on X, the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LOP) said, "No passport, no money in the family to send him abroad, and no time left now. He cried all night and is refusing to take the exam--what kind of stress is this, can you even imagine?"

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">नागपुर का एक बच्चा एक महीने से NEET re-exam की तैयारी कर रहा था। कल परीक्षा से ठीक एक दिन पहले उसने admit card डाउनलोड किया। उसका सेंटर निकला - अबू धाबी। न पासपोर्ट, न परिवार के पास विदेश भेजने के पैसे, न अब कोई वक़्त बचा है। वो रातभर रोता रहा, और परीक्षा देने से ही मना कर रहा… <a href="https://t.co/TJOHUBnFDB">https://t.co/TJOHUBnFDB</a>&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/2068207232475594802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Referring to the student's ordeal, Gandhi said no candidate should have to face such uncertainty a day before a crucial national examination. "How did this even happen? Yesterday, no student should have had any complaint about not being able to reach their center. The NTA is actually just testing the patience of the country's children and their parents," he said."A system that can't provide a center in a child's own city but can send them abroad instead--it has no right to conduct exams," he added, slamming the NTA.<h2>NTA allots new centre to student</h2>As criticism mounted, the NTA moved to contain the fallout. NTA Director General Abhishek Singh later confirmed that the issue had been resolved and attributed the mix-up to a technical glitch in the system."The issue has been resolved, and the candidate has now been allotted a centre in Nagpur," Singh told ANI.The incident comes at a sensitive moment for the NTA, which has spent weeks trying to reassure students that the June 21 re-examination will be conducted smoothly after the original test was scrapped following allegations of a coordinated paper leak.

A bizarre admit card error has handed critics of the NTA fresh ammunition ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-exam. A student from Nagpur, who appeared for the original test in Maharashtra, was unexpectedly allotted an examination centre in Abu Dhabi on his revised admit card.

Just hours before the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, a bizarre admit card mix-up involving a student from Nagpur sparked outrage online, raised fresh questions about the National Testing Agency's preparedness and handed critics another example of the examination body's ongoing credibility crisis. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to conduct a re-examination of the 2026 NEET-UG exam on June 22 (Sunday) after the test was cancelled on May 3 due to a damning paper leak. From Nagpur to Abu Dhabi: NEET exam centre controversy explodes before re-examination The controversy began when a NEET aspirant from Nagpur downloaded his revised admit card and discovered that his examination centre had been allotted not in Maharashtra, but in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The student had earlier appeared at a centre in Nagpur during the original NEET-UG examination conducted on May 3. Following the cancellation of the exam over the paper leak scandal and the announcement of a re-test, he expected to receive a centre in or around his home city. Also read | NEET re-exam: Rajasthan youth arrested for selling fake papers on Telegram; Fresh scam surfaces despite app ban Instead, the new admit card listed Abu Dhabi Indian School in the UAE.

A bizarre admit card error has handed critics of the NTA fresh ammunition ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-exam. A student from Nagpur, who appeared for the original test in Maharashtra, was unexpectedly allotted an examination centre in Abu Dhabi on his revised admit card.

Bizarre NEET admit card error: Aspirant gets Abu Dhabi centre instead of Nagpur, NTA blames 'technical glitch' after online outrage

Just two days before nearly 23 lakh students are due to sit for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, police in Rajasthan on Friday (Jun 19) arrested a man accused of selling fake question papers through Telegram. The accused, identified as Akash Chaudhary from Bhilwara's Patel Nagar area, was allegedly operating a Telegram channel that circulated fake NEET question papers and targeted anxious aspirants ahead of Sunday's examination.The fresh scam has emerged despite India imposing a temporary ban on the Telegram app till June 22. In a statement issued on Tuesday (Jun 16), the NTA said authorities had imposed two temporary restrictions on Telegram in India following recommendations made by the agency. The first measure restricts access to Telegram in India until June 22, covering the day of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination and its immediate aftermath. The second requires the platform to disable its message-editing feature for already posted messages in India until June 30.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-2026-re-exam-nta-conducts-nationwide-mock-drills-what-new-safeguards-have-been-introduced-and-will-they-restore-students-trust-wion-decodes-1781930591535">NEET 2026 re-exam: NTA conducts nationwide mock drills, highlights new safeguards. Can it restore students' trust? | WION Decodes</a><h2>How did the suspect bypass Telegram ban?</h2>According to police, the suspect, Chaudhary, used a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to bypass restrictions and conceal his identity while running the channel. "Through the VPN app, he was able to open (Telegram)," said Deputy Superintendent of Police Nemi Chand Chaudhary.The accused has been arrested by Pratap Nagar police and produced before a court, which remanded him to police custody until June 22. "The accused created a fake paper related to the NEET examination and was allegedly selling it through Telegram. A case has been registered and the investigation is ongoing. He had around 54 subscribers on his Telegram group. We will investigate everyone connected to the operation," the officer said.Police believe the case may be part of a wider network exploiting students ahead of the re-examination, which is being conducted following the cancellation of the original NEET-UG test over paper leak allegations.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/emergency-nature-of-situation-justified-telegram-ban-delhi-hc-upholds-app-restriction-till-june-22-ahead-of-neet-re-exam-1781846378059">Emergency nature of situation justified Telegram ban: Delhi HC upholds app restriction till June 22 ahead of NEET re-exam</a><h2>Delhi High Court upholds Telegram temporary ban</h2>The government's decision to temporarily ban Telegram received judicial backing on Friday (Jun 19) when the Delhi High Court upheld the temporary restriction.Justice Tejas Karia observed that Telegram's architecture makes it particularly vulnerable to misuse. The court noted that features such as large public channels, mirror groups, cloud storage and editable messages allow fraudulent content to spread rapidly and reappear even after specific channels are removed.The court also highlighted concerns that edited messages can be manipulated to create the false impression that examination questions were leaked before the test, fuelling panic among students and parents. &nbsp;

Just days before the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, Rajasthan Police arrested a Bhilwara man accused of selling fake question papers through Telegram. How did he bypass the platform's temporary ban in India? All you need to know.

Just two days before nearly 23 lakh students are due to sit for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, police in Rajasthan on Friday (Jun 19) arrested a man accused of selling fake question papers through Telegram. The accused, identified as Akash Chaudhary from Bhilwara's Patel Nagar area, was allegedly operating a Telegram channel that circulated fake NEET question papers and targeted anxious aspirants ahead of Sunday's examination. The fresh scam has emerged despite India imposing a temporary ban on the Telegram app till June 22. In a statement issued on Tuesday (Jun 16), the NTA said authorities had imposed two temporary restrictions on Telegram in India following recommendations made by the agency. The first measure restricts access to Telegram in India until June 22, covering the day of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination and its immediate aftermath. The second requires the platform to disable its message-editing feature for already posted messages in India until June 30. Also read | NEET 2026 re-exam: NTA conducts nationwide mock drills, highlights new safeguards. Can it restore students' trust? | WION Decodes How did the suspect bypass Telegram ban? According to police, the suspect, Chaudhary, used a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to bypass restrictions and conceal his identity while running the channel. "Through the VPN app, he was able to open (Telegram)," said Deputy Superintendent of Police Nemi Chand Chaudhary. The accused has been arrested by Pratap Nagar police and produced before a court, which remanded him to police custody until June 22. "The accused created a fake paper related to the NEET examination and was allegedly selling it through Telegram. A case has been registered and the investigation is ongoing. He had around 54 subscribers on his Telegram group. We will investigate everyone connected to the operation," the officer said. Police believe the case may be part of a wider network exploiting students ahead of the re-examination, which is being conducted following the cancellation of the original NEET-UG test over paper leak allegations. Also read | Emergency nature of situation justified Telegram ban: Delhi HC upholds app restriction till June 22 ahead of NEET re-exam Delhi High Court upholds Telegram temporary ban The government's decision to temporarily ban Telegram received judicial backing on Friday (Jun 19) when the Delhi High Court upheld the temporary restriction. Justice Tejas Karia observed that Telegram's architecture makes it particularly vulnerable to misuse. The court noted that features such as large public channels, mirror groups, cloud storage and editable messages allow fraudulent content to spread rapidly and reappear even after specific channels are removed. The court also highlighted concerns that edited messages can be manipulated to create the false impression that examination questions were leaked before the test, fuelling panic among students and parents.

Just days before the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, Rajasthan Police arrested a Bhilwara man accused of selling fake question papers through Telegram. How did he bypass the platform's temporary ban in India? All you need to know.

NEET re-exam: Rajasthan youth arrested for selling fake papers on Telegram; fresh scam surfaces despite app ban

With less than 24 hours to go before the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has rolled out what it describes as a "comprehensive security framework" to ensure the integrity of the national entrance test. The move comes after the original May 3 exam was scrapped amid allegations of a coordinated paper leak that triggered nationwide outrage and forced a re-test for nearly 23 lakh aspirants.To test its preparedness, the NTA will conduct a nationwide mock drill today (Saturday, Jun 20), reviewing everything from question paper transportation to candidate verification and centre-level security protocols.The examination will be held in pen-and-paper mode from 2 pm to 5:15 pm across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad. More than 22.79 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the test.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/telegram-banned-in-india-nta-clarifies-restrictions-on-messenger-app-ahead-of-neet-2026-re-exam-1781587210607">Telegram banned in India? NTA clarifies restrictions on messenger app ahead of NEET 2026 re-exam</a><h2>What new safeguards have been introduced by NTA?</h2>The agency, as per reports, has introduced multiple layers of security aimed at preventing any repeat of the controversy that derailed the original examination.Confidential examination materials (question papers) are being transported in GPS-enabled vehicles under police escort, while examination centres have been equipped with CCTV surveillance and real-time monitoring systems. Aadhaar-based biometric authentication has also been made mandatory, although candidates facing technical issues or fingerprint mismatches will be allowed entry after manual verification.More than two lakh personnel, including observers, invigilators, district officials and police personnel, have been deployed across 551 Indian cities and 14 overseas centres.The NTA has also taken the unusual step of temporarily restricting access to Telegram in India until June 22, arguing that the platform was being misused by cheating networks to circulate fake question papers and create fabricated evidence of leaks.To ensure candidates' convenience, examination centres have been equipped with adequate drinking water, sanitation facilities, electricity backup, fans and medical support. Additional biometric devices and trained staff have also been deployed to streamline verification procedures.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/emergency-nature-of-situation-justified-telegram-ban-delhi-hc-upholds-app-restriction-till-june-22-ahead-of-neet-re-exam-1781846378059">Emergency nature of situation justified Telegram ban: Delhi HC upholds app restriction till June 22 ahead of NEET re-exam</a><h2>How are students and parents reacting?</h2>Student reactions remain mixed. Many aspirants have welcomed the stricter measures, particularly the crackdown on Telegram. Several students told ANI that stronger monitoring was necessary to protect candidates who had spent months preparing for the examination. &nbsp;"This is a good step, but the main focus should be on the root cause. Those who indulge in leaking examination papers should be identified," a Delhi-based aspirant told the news agency.Others, however, remain unconvinced. Some students argued that restricting a single platform would not eliminate malpractice, especially when leaked material can quickly migrate to other social media networks. "... Students work extremely hard to crack these exams... The government's ban on Telegram until exams end is right, as leaks spread fast online. Other such platforms could also be restricted for a limited time to stop paper leaks..." sn Indore based student said.A section of aspirants also pointed out that Telegram is widely used for legitimate study material and revision resources. "... Other social media platforms should also be monitored, with strict checks. The NTA should be aware of this. Simply banning Telegram won't help much, as many students use it for free study resources..." noted a student from Kota.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cockroach-janta-party-heads-to-delhi-s-jantar-mantar-again-for-protest-dipke-asks-supporters-to-bring-thali-and-chamach-here-s-why-neet-leak-1781927757065">Cockroach Janta Party heads to Jantar Mantar again; Dipke asks supporters to bring 'thali' and 'chamach'. Here's why</a><h2>What logistical challenges remain?</h2>Despite the heightened security, managing nearly 23 lakh candidates remains a massive challenge. Authorities would need to coordinate secure paper delivery, biometric verification, crowd management and emergency response across thousands of centres.Candidates have been advised to reach centres early and verify locations through admit cards rather than relying solely on navigation apps.Meanwhile, a bizarre case of a NEET aspirant being allotted an examination centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, despite opting for Nagpur as his preferred test city, has also come to light.<h2>Will these measures restore trust?</h2>This remains the biggest question. Recently, India has seen a massive wave of student protests, partially triggered by a satirical movement known as the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). The organisation launched by Abhijeet Dipke has already held protests that saw thousands take to the streets in Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow and Amritsar. The party, which has the resignation of Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Prasad among its primary demands, has scheduled another protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Saturday (Jun 20) - the same day as the NEET re-examination nationwide mock drill. In an unusual request to his fellow 'cockroaches', <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cockroach-janta-party-heads-to-delhi-s-jantar-mantar-again-for-protest-dipke-asks-supporters-to-bring-thali-and-chamach-here-s-why-neet-leak-1781927757065">Dipke has asked supporters to carry ‘thalis’ and ‘chamach’ to the gathering.</a>Meanwhile, on social media, a surge of posts and videos claim that another paper leak is underway. NTA Director General Abhishek Singh has dismissed the recent social media claims of another paper leak as "fake" and insisted that question papers remain secure.&nbsp;

With nearly 23 lakh candidates set to appear for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on June 21, the NTA has launched its most extensive security operation yet, including GPS-tracked question papers, biometric verification, CCTV monitoring and a Telegram ban. But can it restore students' trust?

With less than 24 hours to go before the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has rolled out what it describes as a "comprehensive security framework" to ensure the integrity of the national entrance test. The move comes after the original May 3 exam was scrapped amid allegations of a coordinated paper leak that triggered nationwide outrage and forced a re-test for nearly 23 lakh aspirants. To test its preparedness, the NTA will conduct a nationwide mock drill today (Saturday, Jun 20), reviewing everything from question paper transportation to candidate verification and centre-level security protocols. The examination will be held in pen-and-paper mode from 2 pm to 5:15 pm across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad. More than 22.79 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the test. Also read | Telegram banned in India? NTA clarifies restrictions on messenger app ahead of NEET 2026 re-exam What new safeguards have been introduced by NTA? The agency, as per reports, has introduced multiple layers of security aimed at preventing any repeat of the controversy that derailed the original examination. Confidential examination materials (question papers) are being transported in GPS-enabled vehicles under police escort, while examination centres have been equipped with CCTV surveillance and real-time monitoring systems. Aadhaar-based biometric authentication has also been made mandatory, although candidates facing technical issues or fingerprint mismatches will be allowed entry after manual verification. More than two lakh personnel, including observers, invigilators, district officials and police personnel, have been deployed across 551 Indian cities and 14 overseas centres. The NTA has also taken the unusual step of temporarily restricting access to Telegram in India until June 22, arguing that the platform was being misused by cheating networks to circulate fake question papers and create fabricated evidence of leaks. To ensure candidates' convenience, examination centres have been equipped with adequate drinking water, sanitation facilities, electricity backup, fans and medical support. Additional biometric devices and trained staff have also been deployed to streamline verification procedures. Also read | Emergency nature of situation justified Telegram ban: Delhi HC upholds app restriction till June 22 ahead of NEET re-exam How are students and parents reacting? Student reactions remain mixed. Many aspirants have welcomed the stricter measures, particularly the crackdown on Telegram. Several students told ANI that stronger monitoring was necessary to protect candidates who had spent months preparing for the examination. "This is a good step, but the main focus should be on the root cause. Those who indulge in leaking examination papers should be identified," a Delhi-based aspirant told the news agency. Others, however, remain unconvinced. Some students argued that restricting a single platform would not eliminate malpractice, especially when leaked material can quickly migrate to other social media networks. "... Students work extremely hard to crack these exams... The government's ban on Telegram until exams end is right, as leaks spread fast online. Other such platforms could also be restricted for a limited time to stop paper leaks..." sn Indore based student said. A section of aspirants also pointed out that Telegram is widely used for legitimate study material and revision resources. "... Other social media platforms should also be monitored, with strict checks. The NTA should be aware of this. Simply banning Telegram won't help much, as many students use it for free study resources..." noted a student from Kota. Also read | Cockroach Janta Party heads to Jantar Mantar again; Dipke asks supporters to bring 'thali' and 'chamach'. Here's why What logistical challenges remain? Despite the heightened security, managing nearly 23 lakh candidates remains a massive challenge. Authorities would need to coordinate secure paper delivery, biometric verification, crowd management and emergency response across thousands of centres. Candidates have been advised to reach centres early and verify locations through admit cards rather than relying solely on navigation apps. Meanwhile, a bizarre case of a NEET aspirant being allotted an examination centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, despite opting for Nagpur as his preferred test city, has also come to light. Will these measures restore trust? This remains the biggest question. Recently, India has seen a massive wave of student protests, partially triggered by a satirical movement known as the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). The organisation launched by Abhijeet Dipke has already held protests that saw thousands take to the streets in Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow and Amritsar. The party, which has the resignation of Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Prasad among its primary demands, has scheduled another protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Saturday (Jun 20) - the same day as the NEET re-examination nationwide mock drill. In an unusual request to his fellow 'cockroaches', Dipke has asked supporters to carry ‘thalis’ and ‘chamach’ to the gathering. Meanwhile, on social media, a surge of posts and videos claim that another paper leak is underway. NTA Director General Abhishek Singh has dismissed the recent social media claims of another paper leak as "fake" and insisted that question papers remain secure.

With nearly 23 lakh candidates set to appear for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on June 21, the NTA has launched its most extensive security operation yet, including GPS-tracked question papers, biometric verification, CCTV monitoring and a Telegram ban. But can it restore students' trust?

NEET 2026 re-exam: NTA conducts nationwide mock drills, highlights new safeguards. Can it restore students' trust? | WION Decodes

The Central government has told the Delhi High Court that the messaging platform Telegram’s privacy and anonymity features have made it particularly attractive to criminal networks, due to which the app has become the “new dark web” and is being exploited for illegal activities like terrorism, child exploitation, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and financial fraud as it helps evade law enforcement.&nbsp;The Centre alleged in its court submission that Telegram has become a platform for the circulation of leaked examination papers such as NEET, cyber fraud, terrorism-linked propaganda, child sexual exploitation material, drug trafficking and financial crimes.&nbsp;<h2>‘Telegram has become the new dark web’</h2>&nbsp;“Telegram has become the new dark web, linking threat actors. Criminals have rapidly adopted Telegram to post links on channels that connect to dark web forums through deep web links, making it hard for authorities to track and attribute criminals,” the Centre said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/had-a-great-time-on-last-visit-trump-tells-wion-recalls-massive-india-stadium-event-1781715435397">‘Had a great time on last visit,’ Trump tells WION, recalls massive India stadium event</a>&nbsp;The affidavit filed by the government says that Telegram’s privacy and anonymity features have made it particularly attractive for crime and criminal networks, as users can hide their phone numbers and Telegram IDs through privacy settings, making it difficult for investigators to establish the real identities behind accounts.&nbsp;“It has been observed that Telegram is being exploited for illegal activities including drug trafficking, cybercrime, extremism, terrorism, child exploitation, and cyber scams and frauds, primarily due to privacy features,” the affidavit said.&nbsp;The Centre flagged its concerns after its decision to temporarily block Telegram’s operations in India ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21. Telegram has challenged the blocking in the Delhi High Court.&nbsp;<h2>Telegram groups, channels being used to circulate extremist, radical content</h2>&nbsp;The government also alleged that Telegram groups and channels are being used to circulate extremist and radical content, alleging terror organisations are using them to spread violent propaganda and misinformation.&nbsp;The Centre also alleged that the platform is being used in academic fraud, citing its use in the circulation of leaked examination papers, including NEET-related materials.Fraudsters create fake accounts using false identities to carry out financial scams, publish data breaches and coordinate cyber offences, the affidavit said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-india-trade-deal-worth-over-6-billion-to-come-into-force-on-july-15-1781712306423">UK-India trade deal worth over $6 billion to come into force on July 15</a>&nbsp;Some Telegram channels and groups have been circulating Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) and such content remains a major concern for enforcement agencies monitoring online platforms.&nbsp;It also flagged the alleged use of Telegram channels for the sale and purchase of mule bank accounts, which are used to receive and transfer proceeds of cybercrime and money laundering operations.The Centre also alleged that Telegram channels are widely used to distribute pirated movies, web series and other copyrighted content, causing losses to content creators and raising intellectual property concerns.

The government said that Telegram’s privacy and anonymity features have made it particularly attractive for criminals, as they can hide their phone numbers and Telegram IDs through privacy settings, making it difficult for investigators to establish the real identities behind such accounts.

The Central government has told the Delhi High Court that the messaging platform Telegram’s privacy and anonymity features have made it particularly attractive to criminal networks, due to which the app has become the “new dark web” and is being exploited for illegal activities like terrorism, child exploitation, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and financial fraud as it helps evade law enforcement. The Centre alleged in its court submission that Telegram has become a platform for the circulation of leaked examination papers such as NEET, cyber fraud, terrorism-linked propaganda, child sexual exploitation material, drug trafficking and financial crimes. ‘Telegram has become the new dark web’ “Telegram has become the new dark web, linking threat actors. Criminals have rapidly adopted Telegram to post links on channels that connect to dark web forums through deep web links, making it hard for authorities to track and attribute criminals,” the Centre said. Also Read: ‘Had a great time on last visit,’ Trump tells WION, recalls massive India stadium event The affidavit filed by the government says that Telegram’s privacy and anonymity features have made it particularly attractive for crime and criminal networks, as users can hide their phone numbers and Telegram IDs through privacy settings, making it difficult for investigators to establish the real identities behind accounts. “It has been observed that Telegram is being exploited for illegal activities including drug trafficking, cybercrime, extremism, terrorism, child exploitation, and cyber scams and frauds, primarily due to privacy features,” the affidavit said. The Centre flagged its concerns after its decision to temporarily block Telegram’s operations in India ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21. Telegram has challenged the blocking in the Delhi High Court. Telegram groups, channels being used to circulate extremist, radical content The government also alleged that Telegram groups and channels are being used to circulate extremist and radical content, alleging terror organisations are using them to spread violent propaganda and misinformation. The Centre also alleged that the platform is being used in academic fraud, citing its use in the circulation of leaked examination papers, including NEET-related materials. Fraudsters create fake accounts using false identities to carry out financial scams, publish data breaches and coordinate cyber offences, the affidavit said. Also Read: UK-India trade deal worth over $6 billion to come into force on July 15 Some Telegram channels and groups have been circulating Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) and such content remains a major concern for enforcement agencies monitoring online platforms. It also flagged the alleged use of Telegram channels for the sale and purchase of mule bank accounts, which are used to receive and transfer proceeds of cybercrime and money laundering operations. The Centre also alleged that Telegram channels are widely used to distribute pirated movies, web series and other copyrighted content, causing losses to content creators and raising intellectual property concerns.

The government said that Telegram’s privacy and anonymity features have made it particularly attractive for criminals, as they can hide their phone numbers and Telegram IDs through privacy settings, making it difficult for investigators to establish the real identities behind such accounts.

Telegram being used for carrying out cyberattacks, circulating child porn, drug trade: Govt tells Delhi High Court

In a tragic incident, another NEET aspirant has died by suicide in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore, triggering fresh protests against the government over the examination. This comes after the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) - UG was cancelled following claims of irregularities and paper leak, sparking outrage across the country. In the latest such suicide case over the examination, a 19-year-old student allegedly took her own life on Wednesday (Jun 17) due to distress related to the medical examination, which is rescheduled on Jun 21. According to the police, no suicide note has been recovered and an investigation has been launched into the incident.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ban-hasn-t-stopped-anything-telegram-ceo-criticises-restriction-over-neet-paper-leak-concerns-1781655209533">'Ban hasn't stopped anything': Telegram CEO criticises restriction over NEET paper leak concerns</a>The teen girwas the daughter of a union head in Coimbatore. Her mortal remains were first brought to a private hospital, then taken to the Coimbatore ESI Hospital, where a post-mortem was conducted, ANI reported.Following the incident, members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) staged a protest at the ESI Hospital premises, demanding that they would not receive her body until appropriate relief and justice are ensured to her family.<h2>Other suicide cases linked to NEET examination</h2>In another incident, a 23-year-old NEET aspirant claimed her own life in her house in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun on Tuesday (June 16). According to reports, she was “dissatisfied over excelling in her studies.” The police said that the victim was a college topper and had scored 96.7 per cent marks in Class 12. A suicide note was recovered from the site.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-force-deploys-aircraft-and-helicopters-to-transport-neet-ug-question-papers-flies-over-200-sorties-1781644740309">Air Force deploys aircraft and helicopters to transport NEET UG question papers, flies over 200 sorties</a>In a similar case, a 22-year-old NEET aspirant died by suicide on Monday (Jun 15) ahead of the re-examination, marking the second such death in the district. A suicide note was found at the spot.In Delhi’s Palam Colony, a 17-year-old NEET aspirant died by suicide on June 13. The police recovered a handwritten suicide note in which she reportedly apologised to her parents and stated that she could not fulfil their expectations.<a href="https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/11181469">Get help &amp; support for suicide</a>If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. You can contact local authorities and also encourage the person to contact a suicide prevention hotline using the information in the above link. WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations.

A 19-year-old NEET aspirant in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore died by suicide ahead of the rescheduled exam, sparking protests. The incident adds to a series of similar deaths linked to NEET-related stress.

In a tragic incident, another NEET aspirant has died by suicide in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore, triggering fresh protests against the government over the examination. This comes after the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) - UG was cancelled following claims of irregularities and paper leak, sparking outrage across the country. In the latest such suicide case over the examination, a 19-year-old student allegedly took her own life on Wednesday (Jun 17) due to distress related to the medical examination, which is rescheduled on Jun 21. According to the police, no suicide note has been recovered and an investigation has been launched into the incident. Also read | 'Ban hasn't stopped anything': Telegram CEO criticises restriction over NEET paper leak concerns The teen girwas the daughter of a union head in Coimbatore. Her mortal remains were first brought to a private hospital, then taken to the Coimbatore ESI Hospital, where a post-mortem was conducted, ANI reported. Following the incident, members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) staged a protest at the ESI Hospital premises, demanding that they would not receive her body until appropriate relief and justice are ensured to her family. Other suicide cases linked to NEET examination In another incident, a 23-year-old NEET aspirant claimed her own life in her house in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun on Tuesday (June 16). According to reports, she was “dissatisfied over excelling in her studies.” The police said that the victim was a college topper and had scored 96.7 per cent marks in Class 12. A suicide note was recovered from the site. Also read | Air Force deploys aircraft and helicopters to transport NEET UG question papers, flies over 200 sorties In a similar case, a 22-year-old NEET aspirant died by suicide on Monday (Jun 15) ahead of the re-examination, marking the second such death in the district. A suicide note was found at the spot. In Delhi’s Palam Colony, a 17-year-old NEET aspirant died by suicide on June 13. The police recovered a handwritten suicide note in which she reportedly apologised to her parents and stated that she could not fulfil their expectations. Get help & support for suicide If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. You can contact local authorities and also encourage the person to contact a suicide prevention hotline using the information in the above link. WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations.

A 19-year-old NEET aspirant in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore died by suicide ahead of the rescheduled exam, sparking protests. The incident adds to a series of similar deaths linked to NEET-related stress.

Student deaths, mounting pressure: NEET faces renewed backlash after Coimbatore tragedy

Telegram founder and chief executive Pavel Durov has criticised the government's temporary restriction on the messaging platform ahead of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination, saying the move affects ordinary users rather than those responsible for leaking examination material.&nbsp;In a post on X, Durov said the action impacts millions of users across India without addressing the source of the problem.&nbsp;“India’s IT ministry banned Telegram for one week because some users shared leaked exam questions. This punishes 150M+ ordinary Telegram users in India, not the insiders who leaked the exam materials,” he said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">India’s IT ministry banned Telegram for one week because some users shared leaked exam questions. This punishes 150M+ ordinary Telegram users in India — not the insiders who leaked the exam materials. And the ban hasn&#39;t stopped anything. The leaks just moved to other apps. <a href="https://t.co/CzQWN4mXfb">https://t.co/CzQWN4mXfb</a>&mdash; Pavel Durov (@durov) <a href="https://x.com/durov/status/2066879467054649639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Durov also questioned the effectiveness of the restriction, arguing that it had failed to stop the circulation of leaked content.&nbsp;“And the ban hasn't stopped anything. The leaks just moved to other apps.”&nbsp;The criticism came as the National Testing Agency intensified efforts to tackle fraud ahead of the NEET UG re-examination scheduled for June 21.&nbsp;NTA Director General Abhishek Singh said the agency had identified a large scam network operating through Telegram channels that targeted students with false promises of access to examination papers.&nbsp;According to the agency, some channels were demanding amounts ranging from ₹14,000 to ₹25,000 and, in some cases, as much as ₹10 lakh while claiming they could provide the re-examination paper.&nbsp;“There is no leaked paper for the re-exam. The money is gone the moment you transfer it. Your admit card and WhatsApp number, if you sent them, become the tools they use to scam the next student.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/carney-invites-pm-modi-to-ottawa-india-and-canada-launch-security-information-pact-talks-at-g7-1781642050037">Carney invites PM Modi to Ottawa, India and Canada launch security information pact talks at G7</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">To every NEET candidate and parent - please watch this. A few minutes that could save you serious money and stress this week. Scammers on Telegram were running two rackets targeting you: 1️⃣ Channels demanding ₹14,000 to ₹25,000 - some even ₹10 lakh - claiming they&#39;ll send you… <a href="https://t.co/aqpickJLAv">pic.twitter.com/aqpickJLAv</a>&mdash; National Testing Agency (@NTA_Exams) <a href="https://x.com/NTA_Exams/status/2066851719468687612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Rights group questions legality of Telegram restriction</h2>The government has directed Google and Apple to remove Telegram from their app stores until June 22 as part of measures aimed at preventing paper leak claims during the re-examination period.&nbsp;The International Freedom Foundation also criticised the temporary restriction, describing it as excessive and legally questionable.&nbsp;“On the NTA's recommendation, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has, under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, restricted access to the whole of Telegram in India until 22 June 2026, and has separately ordered the platform to switch off message-editing for every Indian user until 30 June 2026.”&nbsp;"This is a blunt, nationwide measure aimed at the conduct of rampant fraud rackets, and on the Government's own admission is constitutionally incompatible," it added.&nbsp;The NEET UG examination is being conducted again on June 21 after the government cancelled the earlier test held on May 3 following allegations of a question paper leak.

NTA Director General Abhishek Singh said fraudsters on Telegram were demanding anywhere between ₹14,000 and ₹10 lakh from students under the false promise of supplying the NEET re-examination paper.

Telegram founder and chief executive Pavel Durov has criticised the government's temporary restriction on the messaging platform ahead of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination, saying the move affects ordinary users rather than those responsible for leaking examination material. In a post on X, Durov said the action impacts millions of users across India without addressing the source of the problem. “India’s IT ministry banned Telegram for one week because some users shared leaked exam questions. This punishes 150M+ ordinary Telegram users in India, not the insiders who leaked the exam materials,” he said.

NTA Director General Abhishek Singh said fraudsters on Telegram were demanding anywhere between ₹14,000 and ₹10 lakh from students under the false promise of supplying the NEET re-examination paper.

'Ban hasn't stopped anything': Telegram CEO criticises restriction over NEET paper leak concerns

The Indian Air Force has deployed aircraft and helicopters to transport question papers for the NEET UG 2026 re-examination across the country as authorities step up security measures ahead of the test scheduled for June 21.&nbsp;The operation was launched to ensure the safe and timely delivery of confidential examination material after the earlier NEET UG examination was cancelled following allegations of a large-scale paper leak.&nbsp;Over the past four days, the Air Force has carried out more than 200 sorties using transport aircraft and helicopters as part of the nationwide distribution exercise. The mission is expected to be completed by Wednesday.&nbsp;The operation began on June 13 as part of the government's efforts to prevent any compromise of examination material and ensure a secure conduct of the re-examination. Air Force officials have not disclosed details of the operation.&nbsp;Authorities have adopted strict measures amid concerns over repeated irregularities in national-level examinations. The focus remains on ensuring that question papers reach examination centres without any breach of security.&nbsp;As part of the arrangements, question papers are being transported by air from Delhi to Madurai. From there, they will be moved to the Tirunelveli Armed Reserve Ground in an Indian Army helicopter under the supervision of Air Force personnel.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/carney-invites-pm-modi-to-ottawa-india-and-canada-launch-security-information-pact-talks-at-g7-1781642050037">Carney invites PM Modi to Ottawa, India and Canada launch security information pact talks at G7</a>&nbsp;The earlier NEET examination, conducted last month, was cancelled after allegations of a question paper leak surfaced. Authorities later announced that the re-examination would be held on June 21.<h2>NTA restricts Telegram access until June 22</h2>Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency has imposed a temporary restriction on access to Telegram in India until June 22, covering the period of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination and the days immediately after it.&nbsp;According to officials, the decision was taken to address a specific feature of the platform that has allegedly been used to create fabricated claims of paper leaks after national examinations.&nbsp;The restriction is part of a broader effort to protect the integrity of the examination process and prevent the spread of misleading information related to the test.

The Air Force has conducted more than 200 sorties using transport aircraft and helicopters over the past four days to distribute NEET UG question papers nationwide, with the operation set to conclude by Wednesday.

The Indian Air Force has deployed aircraft and helicopters to transport question papers for the NEET UG 2026 re-examination across the country as authorities step up security measures ahead of the test scheduled for June 21. The operation was launched to ensure the safe and timely delivery of confidential examination material after the earlier NEET UG examination was cancelled following allegations of a large-scale paper leak. Over the past four days, the Air Force has carried out more than 200 sorties using transport aircraft and helicopters as part of the nationwide distribution exercise. The mission is expected to be completed by Wednesday. The operation began on June 13 as part of the government's efforts to prevent any compromise of examination material and ensure a secure conduct of the re-examination. Air Force officials have not disclosed details of the operation. Authorities have adopted strict measures amid concerns over repeated irregularities in national-level examinations. The focus remains on ensuring that question papers reach examination centres without any breach of security. As part of the arrangements, question papers are being transported by air from Delhi to Madurai. From there, they will be moved to the Tirunelveli Armed Reserve Ground in an Indian Army helicopter under the supervision of Air Force personnel. Also Read: Carney invites PM Modi to Ottawa, India and Canada launch security information pact talks at G7 The earlier NEET examination, conducted last month, was cancelled after allegations of a question paper leak surfaced. Authorities later announced that the re-examination would be held on June 21. NTA restricts Telegram access until June 22 Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency has imposed a temporary restriction on access to Telegram in India until June 22, covering the period of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination and the days immediately after it. According to officials, the decision was taken to address a specific feature of the platform that has allegedly been used to create fabricated claims of paper leaks after national examinations. The restriction is part of a broader effort to protect the integrity of the examination process and prevent the spread of misleading information related to the test.

The Air Force has conducted more than 200 sorties using transport aircraft and helicopters over the past four days to distribute NEET UG question papers nationwide, with the operation set to conclude by Wednesday.

Air Force deploys aircraft and helicopters to transport NEET UG question papers, flies over 200 sorties

Days before the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination on June 21, India has temporarily banned the Telegram messenger app. Welcoming the government's decision, the National Testing Agency (NTA) accused the messaging platform of being used by cheating networks to spread misinformation and fabricate claims of paper leaks.<h2>Telegram to be permanently banned in India?</h2>No, Telegram Messenger won't be permanently banned in India. In a statement issued on Tuesday (Jun 16), the NTA said authorities had imposed two temporary restrictions on Telegram in India following recommendations made by the agency.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-compensation-to-age-relaxation-cockroach-janata-party-reveals-5-new-demands-at-pune-protest-details-1781230600749">From compensation to age relaxation: Cockroach Janata Party reveals 5 new demands at Pune protest | Details</a>The first measure restricts access to Telegram in India until June 22, covering the day of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination and its immediate aftermath. The second requires the platform to disable its message-editing feature for already posted messages in India until June 30.<h2>Why has GOI blocked Telegram?</h2>According to the NTA, the move is aimed at tackling a specific problem that has emerged in relation to national examinations. The agency alleged that some groups have exploited Telegram's editing feature to alter old messages after an exam has taken place, creating misleading "evidence" that question papers had been leaked in advance.The agency said the restrictions were introduced in the interest of public order and to counter organised efforts by cheating rackets targeting NEET candidates.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-ug-paper-leak-scandal-army-may-help-conduct-re-exam-for-first-time-suggest-reports-1780025143224">NEET-UG paper leak scandal: Army may help conduct re-exam for first time, suggest reports</a>"The measures have been taken in the interest of public order, in response to the organised use of the platform by cheating rackets to defraud candidates appearing for the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination," the agency said.&nbsp;The NTA also thanked the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for what it described as timely intervention ahead of the June 21 examination. "The directions are a measure of last resort, taken only after intermediate remedies, including the take-down action coordinated by I4C, had been pursued and had not produced, at the platform level, the response required to protect candidates in the run-up to the examination," the statement added. &nbsp;

Ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination on June 21, India has imposed temporary restrictions on Telegram. The NTA says the platform was being used to spread misinformation and false paper leak claims. All you need to know.

Days before the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination on June 21, India has temporarily banned the Telegram messenger app. Welcoming the government's decision, the National Testing Agency (NTA) accused the messaging platform of being used by cheating networks to spread misinformation and fabricate claims of paper leaks. Telegram to be permanently banned in India? No, Telegram Messenger won't be permanently banned in India. In a statement issued on Tuesday (Jun 16), the NTA said authorities had imposed two temporary restrictions on Telegram in India following recommendations made by the agency. Also read | From compensation to age relaxation: Cockroach Janata Party reveals 5 new demands at Pune protest | Details The first measure restricts access to Telegram in India until June 22, covering the day of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination and its immediate aftermath. The second requires the platform to disable its message-editing feature for already posted messages in India until June 30. Why has GOI blocked Telegram? According to the NTA, the move is aimed at tackling a specific problem that has emerged in relation to national examinations. The agency alleged that some groups have exploited Telegram's editing feature to alter old messages after an exam has taken place, creating misleading "evidence" that question papers had been leaked in advance. The agency said the restrictions were introduced in the interest of public order and to counter organised efforts by cheating rackets targeting NEET candidates. Also read | NEET-UG paper leak scandal: Army may help conduct re-exam for first time, suggest reports "The measures have been taken in the interest of public order, in response to the organised use of the platform by cheating rackets to defraud candidates appearing for the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination," the agency said. The NTA also thanked the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for what it described as timely intervention ahead of the June 21 examination. "The directions are a measure of last resort, taken only after intermediate remedies, including the take-down action coordinated by I4C, had been pursued and had not produced, at the platform level, the response required to protect candidates in the run-up to the examination," the statement added.

Ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination on June 21, India has imposed temporary restrictions on Telegram. The NTA says the platform was being used to spread misinformation and false claims about paper leaks. All you need to know.

Telegram banned in India? NTA clarifies restrictions on messenger app ahead of NEET 2026 re-exam

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