NEET Paper Leak: NSUI, Youth Congress Stage Dual Protests in Delhi, Demand Pradhan’s Resignation

Student organisations rally outside NTA office and Education Minister’s residence over alleged exam irregularities and cancellation of NEET-UG 2026

Hundreds of student activists staged coordinated protests in two locations across the national capital on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the removal of the National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.

The demonstrations, led by Congress-affiliated student wings, came amid growing anger over repeated examination cancellations and what protesters called a “systematic compromise” of young candidates’ futures.

Protest outside NTA headquarters

Around 11 am, members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) gathered outside the NTA’s Okhla office. Led by NSUI national president Vinod Jakhar, the crowd tried to push past police barricades, leading to brief scuffles with paramilitary personnel deployed at the spot.

“We will not leave until the NTA is abolished,” shouted one protester as others raised placards reading “Merit over mafias” and “Ban the NTA.”

According to officials at the scene, the crowd swelled to nearly 300 within an hour. The protesters attempted to force their way into the premises but were pushed back by a combination of Delhi Police and central paramilitary forces. No major injuries have been reported so far.

March to minister’s residence

Roughly 12 kilometres away, another group of demonstrators gathered outside Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s official residence on Teen Murti Marg. Youth Congress members, separate from the NSUI contingent, raised slogans demanding Pradhan’s immediate resignation.

Witnesses said the crowd remained largely peaceful but vocal. “The minister cannot wash his hands off this. The paper leak has destroyed months of preparation for lakhs of students,” said a Youth Congress office-bearer who did not wish to be named.

The two protests, though organised separately, shared identical demands: a high-level investigation into the alleged leak, cancellation of the controversial exam cycle, and accountability at the top levels of the NTA.

Slogans and barricades

At the Okhla site, the atmosphere grew tense around midday when several NSUI members attempted to climb over police barricades. Paramilitary personnel immediately intervened, pushing the protesters back. No arrests were made immediately, but police officials said they were monitoring the situation.

Slogans raised included “Education Minister, resign,” “NTA Director General, resign,” and “Give justice to NEET students.” Former Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) president Ronak Khatri was also present at the NTA protest, according to student leaders at the venue.

Security stepped up

Authorities had deployed additional forces in both locations since early morning. Paramilitary personnel stood guard outside the NTA office, while Delhi Police maintained a heavy presence around Teen Murti Marg.

A senior police officer told reporters that security arrangements were made after intelligence inputs suggested large mobilisations. “We are allowing peaceful protest but will not tolerate any attempt to breach law and order,” the officer said on condition of anonymity.

Background of the controversy

The protests follow allegations that the NEET-UG 2026 question paper was leaked hours before the examination held earlier this month. The NTA, which conducts the test, has faced intense scrutiny over repeated irregularities. Several student groups have accused the agency of mismanagement and lack of transparency.

The education ministry has not yet issued an official statement on Saturday’s protests. Calls to the NTA spokesperson went unanswered at the time of filing this report.

With the next hearing on the matter expected in the Supreme Court later this month, student leaders have threatened to escalate their agitation if their demands are not met.