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.

NSUI Protests Outside CM House Over Student Union Poll Delay in Raipur

NSUI workers staged a protest demanding restoration of student union elections in Raipur, alleging the government is avoiding polls over fear of defeat.

Protest Near CM House

Tension briefly escalated in Raipur on Thursday as members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) marched towards the Chief Minister’s residence demanding the restoration of student union elections in Chhattisgarh colleges and universities.

Workers from multiple districts gathered near Mahila Thana Chowk before beginning the march towards the CM House. The protest was led by senior NSUI office-bearers along with Congress leaders, including MLA Devendra Yadav.

Heavy police deployment was seen around the CM House area from the morning itself. Barricades were placed at several points and security arrangements were tightened in four layers anticipating a large gathering.

Barricades Breached

As protesters attempted to move ahead towards the restricted zone, police stopped them near the barricading. A brief scuffle followed after several workers allegedly tried to push through the barricades.

According to officials present at the spot, some protesters threw sticks during the confrontation, though no serious injuries were reported till late evening. Police personnel later managed to disperse the crowd and prevent further movement towards the CM residence.

Visuals from the protest showed NSUI members climbing barricades, lying on roads during the demonstration, and raising slogans against the state government. One protester also arrived on a bulldozer, drawing attention during the agitation.

Congress Targets Government

Congress leaders accused the BJP-led state government of intentionally delaying student union elections fearing defeat at the campus level.

Addressing party workers during the protest, Congress MLA Devendra Yadav claimed the government was aware that NSUI-backed candidates would secure large victories if elections were held.

“The government is scared of losing student elections. Students are ready to challenge the system,” he said while addressing supporters gathered at the venue.

His remarks on political struggle also drew attention during the protest. Referring to NSUI National President Vinod Jakhar, Yadav said leaders who fight and even go to jail often rise politically within the party structure.

Vinod Jakhar Addresses Workers

NSUI National President Vinod Jakhar also addressed the gathering and spoke about his own political journey through student politics.

He said he became Rajasthan University president before later serving in organisational roles within NSUI. Jakhar added that the Congress gives opportunities to people from ordinary families who may not have a political background.

“Rahul Gandhi wants young people to come forward and challenge the government,” he told workers during the programme.

The protest meeting witnessed the presence of both NSUI and Congress leaders on the same stage, signalling the party’s attempt to sharpen its outreach among students ahead of future political campaigns in the state.

Demand For Elections

NSUI leaders have been demanding the revival of regular student union elections in colleges across Chhattisgarh. Student leaders argue that campus elections are necessary for democratic participation and leadership development among youth.

The issue has remained politically sensitive in the state, with opposition parties repeatedly accusing the government of delaying the process without a clear timeline.

Several protesters said students from different districts had travelled overnight to participate in Thursday’s agitation in Raipur.

Security Remained Tight

Even after the main crowd was dispersed, security remained heightened around the CM House area till late afternoon. Traffic movement on some connecting roads was also briefly affected because of the protest and police deployment.

Officials said the situation was eventually brought under control and no major law-and-order breakdown occurred during the demonstration.

NSUI leaders indicated that further protests could be organised if the government does not announce a decision regarding student union elections in the coming weeks.