Dharmendra Pradhan Opens Up On NEET 2026 Controversy, Blames Teachers For Paper Leak

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has blamed those entrusted with conducting the NEET-UG 2026 examination for the paper leak controversy, saying individuals assigned to protect the integrity of the test ended up compromising it. His remarks came as the government sought to restore confidence in the medical entrance examination through a nationwide re-test conducted under enhanced security measures.

More than two million students appeared for the re-examination, which was ordered after allegations surfaced that the original question paper had been leaked before the May 3 test.

Minister Targets Those Assigned Examination Duties

Pradhan said the National Testing Agency (NTA) had relied on teachers and officials to ensure the examination was conducted fairly, but some failed to meet that responsibility.

"NTA had placed its trust in certain teachers, but some of them did not fulfil their responsibility. Rakshak hi bhakshak ban gaye (the protectors themselves turned predators)," he told NDTV during an interview.

According to the investigation, teachers PV Kulkarni, Manisha Mandhare and Manisha Havaldar are alleged to have played key roles in leaking the chemistry, biology and physics question papers.

The comments come amid growing criticism of the examination process and calls for stronger safeguards against future leaks.

How The Re-Test Was Triggered

The controversy intensified after the NTA received an email on May 8 claiming that the NEET question paper had been leaked. The complaint reportedly highlighted similarities between a circulating guess paper and the actual examination paper.

In response, the agency cancelled the examination conducted on May 3 and announced a fresh test. The re-examination was conducted on Sunday with strict security arrangements at centres across the country.

Pradhan said the government's focus remained on ensuring that deserving candidates were not disadvantaged by the controversy.

"The meritorious students of our country have done well, and they are going to score good marks," he said.

Student Suicides Raise Concerns

The NEET row has also sparked concern over the mental health impact on students. More than 10 students have reportedly died by suicide in recent weeks, with many facing pressure linked to the examination controversy and uncertainty over the re-test.

Speaking on the issue, Pradhan said he feels personally responsible whenever such incidents take place and stressed the need for reforms in the education system.

"As Education Minister, I curse myself every time there is a student suicide. We have to fix the broken system. But the way Congress and Rahul Gandhi used student suicides is low-level politics," he told the media outlet.

He also accused the Congress party and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of turning a sensitive issue into a political debate.

CBI Probe Continues

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently investigating the alleged leak and has arrested 13 people so far.

The probe is examining the chain of events that led to the leak and whether more individuals were involved in the operation.

With the investigation still underway, the NEET controversy continues to fuel discussions on examination security, accountability and the need to rebuild trust among students preparing for competitive entrance tests.