Nationwide Protests Over NEET And UGC-NET Row: Student Union, Opposition Demand Action

For a second consecutive day, student unions continued their protests against alleged irregularities in two of the nation’s most competitive exams, NEET and UGC-NET, with demonstrations reported in Delhi, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Patna.

The UGC-NET, a key exam for aspiring higher education teachers, was cancelled a day after it was administered due to suspicions of a paper leak. The government has announced concerns that the integrity of the exam may have been compromised.

Protests at Delhi University’s campus today forced Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to cancel his visit for a Yoga Day event. Members of the All-India Students’ Association (AISA) and other students held demonstrations in North Campus, waving black flags. Police detained several protestors, some of whom had to be carried away after refusing to move voluntarily.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting these exams, issued admit cards to 1,563 students today. NTA and government officials will be present at exam centres to reassure students about the process.

The NEET-UG exam for medical college admissions was held on May 5 across 4,750 centres, with approximately 24 lakh candidates taking part. Results were released on June 4, earlier than the anticipated date of June 14. Allegations soon emerged about a paper leak in Bihar and other irregularities, including the awarding of grace marks. These claims led to legal challenges in various high courts and the Supreme Court.

In response, the NTA has rescinded the grace marks given to over 15,000 students. Protesting student unions are now demanding the resignation of Mr. Pradhan and the dissolution of the NTA.

Mr. Pradhan has taken “moral responsibility” for what he termed an “institutional failure” by the NTA in administering the exams. He announced the formation of a high-level committee to review the NTA’s operations and recommend necessary reforms.