The National Testing Agency (NTA) has initiated a ₹7.5-crore security procurement exercise to strengthen protection of its offices, confidential examination material and digital infrastructure following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy. The move is aimed at reinforcing security across the examination process amid continued scrutiny over the integrity of national-level entrance tests.

The tender, issued on July 25, seeks a professional security agency to provide round-the-clock security services at the NTA headquarters on Minto Road, its regional office in Okhla, and other locations notified by the agency.

24x7 Security for Critical Infrastructure

According to the tender documents, the selected agency will be responsible for safeguarding personnel, visitors, examination material and key facilities linked to the conduct of national examinations.

The security cover will extend to:

• NTA headquarters and regional offices

• Strong rooms and warehouses

• Record rooms and confidential document storage

• Server rooms and digital infrastructure

• Examination-related assets and premises

The contract will initially be awarded for two years, with the provision to extend it by two additional one-year terms. Interested agencies can submit bids until August 17.

Part of a Larger Security Overhaul

The security contract is part of a broader procurement initiative launched by the NTA, which also includes housekeeping services and examination-grade printing facilities.

The agency is seeking to strengthen safeguards across the entire examination chain, including printing, storage, transportation, access control and protection of sensitive digital systems involved in conducting high-stakes entrance examinations.

Move Follows NEET-UG 2026 Leak

The tender comes months after the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak triggered nationwide concerns over the credibility of India's medical entrance examination system.

The controversy renewed fears that organised networks may be exploiting vulnerabilities in examination printing, storage, transportation and access to confidential question papers.

Investigations into the alleged leak are still underway.

Previous Controversies Increased Pressure

The latest developments have also revived memories of the NEET-UG 2024 controversy, when allegations of paper leaks, irregularities and unusually high scores led to nationwide protests, legal challenges and a CBI investigation.

Although the Supreme Court acknowledged that some candidates had benefited from a paper leak, it declined to order a nationwide re-examination, observing that there was no evidence of a complete systemic failure across the entire examination process.

Despite that ruling, the controversy significantly affected public confidence and increased pressure on the NTA to introduce stronger security and transparency measures.

Focus on Securing the Examination Process

By strengthening physical security, protecting confidential examination material and enhancing safeguards around digital infrastructure, the NTA aims to reduce vulnerabilities in the examination ecosystem and restore confidence in the conduct of national entrance examinations.

The proposed security upgrade is expected to play a key role in safeguarding future examinations against potential breaches.

the Lok Sabha on wednesday passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 by voice vote, clearing tougher provisions against paper leaks and the use of unfair means in public examinations. The legislation was approved amid loud sloganeering and repeated disruptions as the government and Opposition remained locked in a heated confrontation over the recent student protests and police action at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The amended law proposes a substantial increase in punishment for individuals involved in examination malpractice. Under the proposed provisions, the minimum imprisonment for individuals involved in paper leaks or unfair means will increase from three years to five years, while the maximum punishment can extend to 10 years. A fine of up to ₹50 lakh has also been proposed. For organised crime linked to examination fraud, the legislation provides for tougher punishment and a fine that can go up to ₹10 crore, reflecting the government's attempt to target organised networks operating behind large-scale paper leaks.

The passage of the anti-paper leak bill came after a stormy debate that repeatedly moved beyond examination reforms and into the handling of recent student demonstrations. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of authorising the use of force against students during the Cockroach Janta Party-led protest at Jantar Mantar. His remarks triggered strong objections from the treasury benches and led to sharp exchanges inside the House. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju hit back at the Opposition, accusing Congress leaders of using the discussion on examination reforms to pursue a political agenda rather than concentrating on the provisions of the legislation. Opposition MPs continued raising slogans as the bill was taken up for passage. The confrontation came after days of political tension over examination irregularities and the student agitation, which had already dominated proceedings during the Monsoon Session. Opposition parties have argued that tougher punishment alone will not resolve problems within the examination system and have demanded greater accountability over alleged paper leaks and the police response to protesters.

The government, however, has maintained that the amendment is aimed at creating stronger deterrence against individuals and organised groups involved in compromising competitive examinations. By increasing prison terms and introducing significantly higher financial penalties, the Centre is seeking to make involvement in paper leaks far more costly. The legislation comes at a time when examination security has become a major political issue following protests over alleged irregularities and demands from students for broader reforms. The government and Opposition have differed sharply over who should be held responsible, but both sides have acknowledged concerns surrounding the credibility of public examinations. Wednesday's voice vote gives the proposed reforms an important legislative clearance in the Lok Sabha. The political confrontation surrounding the bill, however, showed little sign of easing. The Rahul Gandhi-Rijiju exchange, Opposition sloganeering and continuing questions over the handling of student protesters ensured that what was formally a debate over examination reform remained tied to the wider political battle over youth concerns, accountability and the government's response to the recent agitation.

The Supreme Court on Monday observed that peaceful protest is a constitutionally protected right and said the police cannot resort to a lathicharge merely because people are demonstrating. The remarks came while hearing a batch of petitions alleging excessive police force against students protesting examination paper leaks during the Parliament march held on July 20.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohan said allegations of police excess should be independently examined. The court also stressed the need for uniform national guidelines governing police action during public demonstrations, observing that discipline is essential in a democracy but peaceful protests must remain protected.

The observations assume significance as the Centre prepares to push the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Parliament, a legislation aimed at strengthening anti-paper leak laws following the nationwide NEET controversy.

Court Questions Police Response

During the hearing, the Bench underlined that agitation alone cannot justify the use of force by law enforcement agencies.

The judges noted that every allegation of excessive police action deserves impartial scrutiny and suggested that uniform operating procedures should be evolved for handling demonstrations across the country. According to the court, maintaining public order and protecting citizens' constitutional rights must go hand in hand.

Parliament March Turned Violent

The petitions relate to the July 20 Parliament march organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the alleged NEET paper leak.

The protest began at Jantar Mantar and later moved towards Parliament, with demonstrators marching through Parliament Street, Janpath Crossing, Kartavya Path and Vijay Chowk.

According to reports, clashes erupted after some protesters allegedly breached police barricades and attempted to move towards Parliament. Police responded with tear gas and lathicharge, while incidents of stone-pelting were also reported. More than 100 people, including police personnel and protesters, were reportedly injured during the violence.

The protest site was cleared by evening, although demonstrators returned later that night to resume their agitation.

Matter Reached Supreme Court Multiple Times

The issue has come before the Supreme Court on several occasions over the past two months.

In May, a petition sought a CBI investigation into those associated with the Cockroach Janta Party. The court declined urgent listing, observing there was no immediate emergency.

After the July 20 protest, another petition sought an inquiry into the alleged police assault on demonstrators. At that stage, the Bench declined immediate intervention, stating that it was not relying on video clips placed before it.

A fresh plea was later filed seeking restraint on police action against students participating in protests. The court agreed to hear the matter through the regular listing process.

During Monday's proceedings, the Chief Justice also clarified that reports claiming the court had earlier refused to hear petitions on the issue were inaccurate. He said no formal writ petition had been before the Bench at that stage.

Delhi High Court Also Hearing Case

Separate petitions challenging the police action are also pending before the Delhi High Court.

The High Court has already sought responses from the Union government and Delhi Police while directing authorities to preserve CCTV footage, videography and all records related to the July 20 protest.

Background

The student-led agitation over alleged examination paper leaks continued for 36 days before ending on July 25 following the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Pradhan resigned amid mounting pressure over the NEET paper leak controversy, saying recent developments had deeply saddened him.

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been observing a hunger strike alongside protesting students, also ended his fast after receiving assurances from the government regarding examination reforms.

The Supreme Court's observations now place fresh focus on balancing citizens' right to peaceful protest with the state's responsibility to maintain law and order, even as Parliament prepares to debate tougher legislation against examination malpractices.

A preliminary inquiry by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has found that a Rapid Action Force (RAF) jawan fired seven pellet gun rounds during the July 20 'Sansad Chalo' march in the national capital, with five pellets striking protesters and two hitting the ground, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

The findings relate to the protest organised over the alleged examination paper leak issue, during which clashes broke out between demonstrators and security personnel near Parliament.

According to the preliminary probe, the RAF personnel was deployed in the Connaught Place area when the incident occurred. Sources said the pellet gun was used after protesters allegedly attacked security personnel and resorted to stone-pelting.

The internal inquiry was initiated after questions were raised over whether RAF personnel had used pellet guns during the crowd-control operation.

Three Injured in Pellet Firing

The investigation has identified at least three people who sustained pellet injuries during the protest.

Those injured include 25-year-old Irshad Sheikh, who works in Gurugram, 19-year-old Delhi University student Sahil Lochab, and a 28-year-old magazine journalist. All three reportedly received medical treatment following the incident.

Sources said examination of operational records maintained by the deployed RAF personnel confirmed that seven pellet rounds were discharged, with five hitting protesters and the remaining two striking the ground.

CRPF Reviewing Use of Force

CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh said the operation would undergo a professional review, as is standard practice after major law-and-order deployments.

He said the protest had concluded and the situation had returned to normal, adding that headquarters would present its official findings after completion of the review process.

The preliminary findings have come amid increasing scrutiny of the police response to the July 20 Parliament march.

Internal Review Flags Operational Concerns

Earlier reports indicated that RAF Inspector General (Operations) M.A. Dhundhia informed senior officers that the "force gradient" adopted during the operation did not fully conform to prescribed operational standards and RAF training protocols.

In policing, the term force gradient refers to the principle of using the minimum level of force necessary, with escalation depending on the nature and intensity of the threat.

The observations reportedly emerged during an internal review conducted after the protest.

Fresh Operational Guidelines Issued

On July 22, the RAF conducted a video conference with company commanders and commandants deployed in Delhi to assess the handling of the protest.

According to sources, officials reviewed the deployment strategy, the role played by RAF personnel and the crowd-control measures adopted during the demonstration at Jantar Mantar and the subsequent Parliament march.

Following the review, officers were instructed to exercise restraint and ensure that force is used only when absolutely necessary.

The guidelines also emphasised issuing clear warnings before using force and adopting a graded response, including lathicharge, tear gas and other approved crowd-control methods, depending on the situation.

Wider Legal Scrutiny Continues

The July 20 Parliament march has also become the subject of judicial scrutiny.

The Supreme Court is hearing petitions alleging excessive police force against students protesting examination paper leaks, while the Delhi High Court has directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage and all records relating to the police action.

The protests, which centred on alleged irregularities in national entrance examinations, have intensified political debate over examination reforms and police handling of public demonstrations.

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Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan received a warm welcome from BJP and NDA MPs as he arrived at Parliament on Tuesday, making his first public appearance since stepping down from the post. As he got out of his vehicle at the Parliament complex, several party leaders gathered around him, raising slogans of “Dharmendra Pradhan Zindabad.” Pradhan acknowledged the greetings with a smile and waved at the media before entering the premises. The show of support came just two days after he resigned as education minister amid nationwide criticism over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. In his resignation letter, Pradhan said his decision was driven by the interests of students and the need to protect the credibility of the education system. According to those present, the reception reflected the BJP leadership's public backing of one of its senior leaders despite the political storm surrounding his exit.

Pradhan's resignation followed weeks of protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. Student groups and opposition parties had demanded accountability, arguing that the paper leak had shaken the confidence of lakhs of aspirants across the country. Following his resignation, the Union government assigned the additional charge of the Education Ministry to Pralhad Joshi, who already handles the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy portfolios. Officials indicated that the move was intended to ensure continuity in the ministry's functioning while the government deals with the fallout from the examination controversy. Meanwhile, videos of BJP MPs chanting slogans in support of Pradhan outside Parliament quickly circulated on social media, triggering political reactions from both supporters and critics.

Even after his resignation, several senior BJP leaders publicly praised Pradhan's contribution to the education sector. Union Home Minister Amit Shah credited him with playing a key role in implementing major education reforms, particularly the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also acknowledged his efforts to strengthen India's education system and promote educational reforms during his tenure. BJP leaders maintained that Pradhan's resignation was a voluntary decision reflecting accountability rather than political pressure. The opposition, however, continued to question the government's handling of the NEET-UG paper leak and demanded a broader investigation into the examination process. Political observers believe the growing anger among students and young voters may have influenced the government's decision, although no official statement has confirmed that assessment. With the Monsoon Session of Parliament underway, education reforms, examination security, and the NEET controversy are expected to remain central issues in the days ahead.

Thakur alleged that the state government stands fully exposed over recruitment irregularities, paper leaks and corruption cases, pointing to what he said were widespread cheating complaints during Himachal's recent police recruitment exam that have gone entirely uninvestigated. He went further, claiming that officials whose names surfaced in a CBI report connected to a paper leak had instead been handed important responsibilities, and said the state government owes the public an explanation.

Directing his questions at Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's administration, Thakur asked why the Congress government appeared to be shielding the accused rather than taking action against them, accusing it of covering up both the corruption allegations and the recruitment scandal itself.

His remarks came in direct response to a candle march organised by the Congress on Saturday, which Thakur dismissed as a clear case of political opportunism. He argued the party isn't genuinely concerned about young people's futures and is instead interested only in political advantage, pointing to what he described as a pattern of recruitment scams and paper leaks across Congress-run states more broadly. He cited more than 22 paper leak cases during Congress's tenure in Rajasthan and 18 similar cases in Chhattisgarh, arguing this record leaves the party with no moral standing to lecture others on the issue.

On the specific allegations in Himachal, Thakur said candidates who sat for the recent police recruitment exam had themselves submitted written complaints alleging that large-scale cheating had taken place openly inside examination centres. Despite candidates flagging these serious irregularities to both the administration and the state government, he said, no fair or transparent investigation has been conducted so far — a silence he argued raises serious questions on its own.

Neither Chief Minister Sukhu nor the Himachal Congress had issued a public response to Thakur's allegations at the time of publishing.

The Madhya Pradesh government will establish fast-track courts in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and Jabalpur to expedite the hearing of cases related to education and employment. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced the decision on Friday while addressing a public gathering in Panna.

The announcement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to introducing fast-track courts for quicker resolution of education- and employment-related disputes, particularly cases involving examination irregularities and paper leaks. The state government said similar courts will now be established in Madhya Pradesh's four major cities to ensure timely justice for students and job aspirants.

Focus on Faster Resolution of Education-Related Cases

According to the Chief Minister, the proposed courts are aimed at reducing delays in cases affecting students and employment seekers. Matters related to competitive examinations, recruitment disputes, and alleged paper leaks are expected to receive priority under the new system.

Until now, such cases have generally been heard in regular courts, often taking years to reach a conclusion due to the existing judicial workload. The proposed fast-track courts are intended to speed up legal proceedings and improve confidence in the examination and recruitment process.

Paper Leak Cases to Receive Dedicated Attention

Paper leak incidents have emerged as a major concern across the country in recent years, impacting recruitment examinations and competitive entrance tests. The proposed fast-track courts are expected to provide a dedicated judicial mechanism for such cases, enabling quicker trials and judgments.

Fast disposal of these cases is also expected to strengthen accountability and help reduce uncertainty among candidates awaiting recruitment or admission.

Fast-Track Courts Have Proven Effective

Fast-track courts were first introduced in India in 2000 following the recommendations of the 11th Finance Commission, which proposed financial assistance for establishing 1,734 fast-track courts across the country to reduce the backlog of pending cases.

According to government data, fast-track special courts dealing with rape and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) cases have disposed of more than 306,000 cases between 2019 and 2025. Officials have cited a disposal rate of over 96%, although new cases continue to be registered, leaving a significant number still pending.

The Madhya Pradesh government believes a similar model can help ensure quicker justice in education and employment-related disputes.

Medical Education Expansion Announced

During the event, Chief Minister Yadav also highlighted the state's expansion in medical education.

He said Madhya Pradesh had only five medical colleges and around 500 seats in 2002–03. The state now has 34 medical colleges with nearly 5,500 MBBS seats.

The government aims to increase the number of medical colleges to 52 and expand MBBS seats to 10,000 within the next two years. The Chief Minister also announced that the Panna Medical College is expected to be inaugurated next year, with construction progressing under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Tourism and Development Projects in Panna

The Chief Minister inaugurated a glass-floor viewpoint at Brihaspati Kund in Panna, developed at a cost of ₹8 crore. The project is expected to boost tourism in the region.

He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth ₹184.83 crore, including two Sandipani Schools in Gunnor and Pawai with a combined investment of approximately ₹74 crore.

₹210 Crore Released Under Social Security Pension Scheme

As part of the programme, the Chief Minister transferred nearly ₹210 crore through a single-click digital transfer to the bank accounts of more than 3.5 million beneficiaries under the state's Social Security Pension Scheme.

He said the government remains committed to ensuring that welfare benefits reach eligible beneficiaries directly through transparent digital systems.

Ken-Betwa River Link Project Highlighted

Chief Minister Yadav also spoke about the Ken-Betwa River Link Project, describing it as a transformative initiative for the Bundelkhand region.

He said the project, estimated to cost around ₹1 lakh crore, has received approval for 90% central funding. Once completed, it is expected to improve irrigation facilities, strengthen agriculture, and boost economic development across Bundelkhand.

The Chief Minister assured residents that those whose land, homes, or commercial properties are acquired for the project would receive appropriate compensation in accordance with government norms.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the government would establish fast-track courts to prosecute people accused of leaking examination papers. He promised swift and stringent punishment for anyone who damages the future of students.

In a post on X, Modi said the welfare and future of young people remained the government’s highest priority. He also said he had directed the authorities to take every necessary step for the early disposal of such cases. The announcement marks a major government update amid a widening public debate over the security and credibility of competitive examinations.

Youth Interests Come First

Modi said the government would not spare anyone who played with the future of the country’s youth. His statement followed days of protests in New Delhi and sustained demands for accountability over the latest examination controversy.

The government has presented the proposed courts as part of a wider effort to protect candidates and deter organised networks involved in question paper theft, circulation and sale. Dedicated courts could reduce delays by assigning these cases to judges who handle them on priority instead of placing them in the regular criminal court queue.

Protests Increase Pressure

The announcement came as the Cockroach Janta Party, a youth-led protest movement, continued its agitation in the national capital. Protesters have demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while opposition parties have pressed the government for a parliamentary debate and stronger action.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the Centre’s handling of the issue and repeated the demand for ministerial accountability. The government has said it remains willing to discuss examination reforms in Parliament. The dispute has emerged as a major public interest story and one of the most closely watched developments in Trending News India.

NEET Case Background

The immediate controversy centres on the NEET-UG examination, which determines admission to undergraduate medical courses. Reports said the leak affected nearly two million candidates and prompted authorities to hold a fresh examination.

At an NDA meeting earlier this week, Modi said the government acted immediately after receiving information about the leak. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said investigators had arrested 13 accused and sent them to jail. Authorities also held the re-examination and declared the results on priority to protect students’ academic schedules.

Existing Law Supports Action

India already enforces the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which took effect on June 21, 2024. The law covers question paper leakage, conspiracy, disruption of examinations and organised cheating. It also empowers designated officers to investigate offences.

The proposed fast-track courts would focus on trial speed and case disposal, while the existing law provides the substantive framework for prosecution. Fast-track courts first took shape nationally after the Eleventh Finance Commission recommended their creation. The Centre subsequently funded 1,734 courts to clear long-pending sessions cases and cases involving undertrial prisoners.

Implementation Will Decide Impact

The announcement’s effectiveness will depend on how quickly the Centre, states and High Courts establish the courts, appoint judges and provide prosecutors, staff and digital evidence support. India’s constitutional framework gives states and High Courts a central role in setting up and operating such courts.

The government must also decide whether to create a nationwide scheme or ask states to designate existing courts for paper leak cases. Clear jurisdiction, strict timelines and coordination between police, examination agencies and prosecutors will determine whether the measure produces faster trials and convictions.

What Happens Next

The Centre’s next steps will include operational details covering the number of courts, funding, territorial jurisdiction and the categories of examinations that will fall under the mechanism. Opposition parties and protesting groups are likely to continue seeking political accountability alongside judicial action.

For students and families following the latest news today, the central question is whether the plan can deliver timely justice and prevent repeated disruption of competitive examinations. The government’s next notification on paper leak cases will remain a key India news update for education policy and examination reform.

The decision has triggered strong opposition from law students, many of whom have questioned the basis of the move and demanded greater transparency from the university administration.

According to the official order issued by the university, the examination conducted between May 7 and May 28 has been declared invalid due to administrative reasons. The cancellation comes months after concerns were raised over the security of examination-related data and the possibility of question papers being accessed before the scheduled tests.

Soon after the revised examination schedule was announced, students from the Department of Law submitted representations objecting to the re-examination process. They argued that the university should first make public the findings of the fact-finding committee whose report reportedly formed the basis for the cancellation decision.

Students have demanded that the administration release the investigation report, reconsider the re-examination order and ensure strict action against those responsible for the alleged leak rather than penalising all candidates by forcing them to appear again.

University officials, including Registrar Prof. Ashwini Dixit, met protesting students and attempted to explain the circumstances behind the decision.

The controversy has also raised questions about the pace of administrative action.

A five-member fact-finding committee constituted to investigate the matter reportedly submitted its findings to the university on June 6. However, no immediate decision followed, and the report remained under review for more than a month.

The examination cancellation order was issued only recently, prompting criticism from students who have questioned why the administration waited for weeks before acting on the committee's recommendations.

The investigation reportedly concluded that the university's Samarth portal had not been hacked. Instead, access to confidential examination materials was allegedly obtained through authorised login credentials. The committee is understood to have found evidence suggesting that question papers and related academic data were leaked using valid usernames and passwords rather than through an external cyberattack.

The findings have heightened concerns about internal security practices and access controls within the examination system.

Sources familiar with the matter said the committee recommended a police investigation to determine how sensitive information was accessed and distributed. The university has subsequently initiated an internal departmental inquiry to examine administrative accountability.

The inquiry committee includes senior academic and administrative officials such as Prof. S.C. Shrivastava, Chief Proctor Prof. Mukesh Kumar Singh, Prof. Khemchand Dewangan, OSD Prof. Bharti Ahirwar and Assistant Registrar (Examinations) T.P. Singh.

The paper leak controversy has already resulted in administrative changes within the university's law department.

Earlier, the university removed the then Head of Department and Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Sudhanshu Ranjan Mohapatra, from his position following questions raised over examination management and departmental oversight. Prof. Praveen Mishra from the Department of History was subsequently assigned additional responsibility as the new Dean and Head of the Law Department.

The issue has attracted attention beyond the campus.

Students previously escalated their complaints to higher authorities, including the Visitor of the university and constitutional offices, seeking intervention in the matter. The incident has also intensified debate around examination security and digital governance within higher educational institutions.

For now, the university administration appears determined to proceed with the re-examination process. However, student groups continue to demand access to the fact-finding report and greater clarity regarding the actions taken against those allegedly involved in the leak.

With fresh examinations now scheduled to begin on July 27, attention remains focused on whether the administration can restore confidence in the examination system while addressing concerns about accountability and transparency.

Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused security personnel of using excessive force against students during the July 20 "Sansad Chalo" protest and renewed his demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the alleged NEET paper leak issue.

Addressing a press conference at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi presented videos that he said showed police action against students participating in the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led march to Parliament. He questioned the use of force against protesters and alleged that students were subjected to unnecessary violence during the demonstration.

Alleges Assault During Protest

Rahul Gandhi claimed that he himself was manhandled during the protest. According to him, police personnel dragged him, punched him multiple times, and the confrontation left him bleeding from the mouth.

He also made a striking allegation, saying that while security personnel were escorting him away, a policeman quietly told him, "Remove this government." Rahul did not provide evidence to support the claim.

Despite the alleged assault, Rahul asserted that the movement would continue and insisted that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan "has to go."

Raises Questions Over Paper Leak

Focusing on examination integrity, Rahul Gandhi alleged that India had witnessed 152 paper leak incidents over the past decade, affecting nearly 7.5 crore students and their families. He claimed that no individual had been convicted in connection with those cases.

The Congress leader argued that repeated examination irregularities had severely undermined students' trust in the country's education system and called for stronger accountability.

Education Spending Comparison

Rahul Gandhi also highlighted what he described as the growing financial burden on students.

He claimed that while the Union government's education budget stands at ₹1.4 lakh crore, Indian families collectively spend around ₹1.32 lakh crore on NEET-related expenses. According to him, the comparison reflects the enormous economic pressure competitive examinations place on households.

Three Key Demands

During the press conference, Rahul Gandhi outlined three demands before the Centre:

• Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should resign.
• Action should be taken against those allegedly responsible for using force against student protesters.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi should apologise to students affected by the alleged paper leak controversy.

Background of the Protest

The controversy stems from the 20 July "Sansad Chalo" march, during which protesters attempted to move from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament. Clashes broke out between demonstrators and police at several locations, prompting security personnel to use force to disperse the crowd.

The incident has triggered political confrontation, with opposition parties accusing the government of suppressing student voices, while the Centre has maintained that law enforcement acted to preserve public order.

The alleged NEET paper leak has emerged as one of the major political issues of the Monsoon Session, with opposition parties repeatedly demanding a discussion in Parliament and the resignation of the Education Minister. The government has defended its handling of the matter and stated that investigations are underway.

Amid growing concerns over paper leak incidents in competitive examinations across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to ensuring a secure, transparent, and foolproof examination system. Addressing the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said the future of India's youth remains the government's highest priority and warned that those responsible for paper leaks would face strict legal action.

According to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who briefed the media after the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized that any attempt to compromise the integrity of examinations would not be tolerated. He said the government is taking continuous steps to strengthen the examination system and prevent such incidents from recurring.

'Students' Future Cannot Be Compromised'

During his address, Prime Minister Modi said millions of young aspirants spend years preparing for competitive examinations, and paper leak incidents unfairly undermine their hard work and aspirations.

He stated that the government views examination integrity not merely as a law-and-order issue but as a matter directly linked to the trust of young people and the nation's future.

"The guilty will not be spared under any circumstances," the Prime Minister reportedly said, adding that strict punishment for offenders is essential to safeguard the credibility of the examination process.

Call for Centre-State Coordination

The Prime Minister urged both the Centre and state governments to work together to strengthen examination security and improve transparency.

He highlighted the need for better coordination in areas such as question paper security, digital monitoring, secure examination logistics, and transparent recruitment processes to minimise the possibility of future leaks.

He also appealed to Members of Parliament to rise above political differences and support reforms aimed at protecting students' interests and strengthening the credibility of the country's examination system.

Reference to NEET and Other Cases

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi referred to recent paper leak controversies, including those related to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and other competitive examinations.

He said individuals responsible for jeopardising students' futures would be brought to justice through legal means and assured that investigative agencies are closely monitoring the cases.

The Prime Minister stressed that strong legal prosecution and effective coordination between investigating agencies, prosecutors, and the judicial system are necessary to ensure timely punishment for those involved in examination fraud.

Youth Driving India's Growth

Apart from examination reforms, the Prime Minister also praised the achievements of India's youth in sectors such as science, technology, innovation, startups, space research, and entrepreneurship.

He said young Indians are making the country proud on the global stage and reiterated the government's commitment to creating better opportunities for them.

Modi also encouraged MPs to highlight the success stories of Indian startups and innovators in their constituencies, saying these achievements have strengthened confidence among the country's youth and enhanced India's global reputation.

Focus on Innovation and Space Sector

The Prime Minister noted that India's young scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs are achieving remarkable success at an early age. He said innovation and technological excellence are helping India emerge as a global leader in several strategic sectors.

He described the country's youth as the driving force behind India's future growth and said the government remains committed to creating an environment where talent can flourish without unfair obstacles.

Growing Demand for Examination Reforms

The Prime Minister's remarks come at a time when several paper leak incidents have triggered nationwide debate over the credibility of competitive examinations.

Governments and examining agencies have been under increasing pressure to strengthen security mechanisms, adopt advanced technological safeguards, and ensure greater accountability in the conduct of examinations.

The Centre has indicated that reforms aimed at making the examination system more transparent, secure, and trustworthy will continue to remain a policy priority.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday demanded that the alleged paper leak issue be discussed in Parliament and that the Union Home Minister give a clarification in the House, saying the matter concerns the future of the country’s youth and cannot be ignored.

Rahul Gandhi, along with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and several senior party leaders, staged a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence on Lok Kalyan Marg. The protest came a day after police action against students and protesters during a march linked to the alleged examination paper leak controversy.

According to Congress leaders, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh met Rahul Gandhi at the protest site and requested that the demonstration be called off. Rahul, however, reiterated that the government must allow a discussion on the paper leak issue in Parliament and that the Home Minister should make a statement in the House.

Congress Targets Centre

In a post on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi said that an attack on students is an attack on every Indian family. He accused the government of trying to avoid answering questions on the paper leak issue and the police action against protesters.

He also appealed to citizens who believe students deserve justice to join the protest, saying that the voices of India’s students cannot be ignored.

Demand for Accountability

Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government was unwilling to take responsibility for the alleged failures in conducting public examinations. He said the issue was not merely about one examination, but about the credibility of the entire recruitment and education system.

The Congress has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged paper leak incidents and has accused the government of failing to protect the integrity of public examinations.

Rahul and Priyanka Visit Injured Protesters

Before the protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi visited Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital to meet students and protesters injured during Monday’s police action.

The Congress leaders interacted with those undergoing treatment and alleged that excessive force had been used against demonstrators. The party has sought accountability for the police action and demanded that the concerns raised by students be addressed through dialogue.

Parliament Remains Disrupted

The paper leak issue has also led to repeated disruptions during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. Opposition parties have been pressing for a detailed discussion on alleged examination irregularities, recruitment delays and the handling of student protests.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has also criticised the government, alleging that Parliament was not being allowed to function properly on an issue of national importance.

With the Opposition continuing its protest campaign, the paper leak controversy is expected to remain a major political flashpoint in the Monsoon Session. The Congress has indicated that it will continue to press for a parliamentary debate, a statement from the Home Minister and accountability from the government over both the alleged examination irregularities and the police action against students.