Pradhan resigns: What was the NEET controversy
Live Events What led to protests? What was the NEET-UG paper leak controversy? How did the alleged NEET paper leak spread? A timeline of events
Live Events What led to protests? What was the NEET-UG paper leak controversy? How did the alleged NEET paper leak spread? A timeline of events leading to Pradhan's resignation May 3, 2026 – Examination ConductedAround 22 lakh candidates appeared for the nationwide NEET-UG 2026 medical entrance test. Allegations of a question paper leak surfaced shortly after the exam concluded, triggering widespread demands from students and parents for an official inquiry. May 12, 2026 – Exam Cancelled and CBI Probe OrderedAcknowledging allegations of procedural compromises, the Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the exam. The Central Government transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and announced a nationwide re-examination under heightened security. Mid-May to June 2026 – Nationwide Student UnrestProtests erupted across major cities, including Delhi. Student groups demanded structural reforms, accountability, and transparency, turning the paper leak issue into a broader critique of the national competitive examination system. June 21, 2026 – Re-Examination Under High SecurityThe NTA conducted a nationwide re-test under stringent security measures, including the deployment of Indian Air Force aircraft to transport question papers. Officials described it as one of the most secure entrance exams ever held in the country. June 28, 2026 – Sonam Wangchuk Begins Hunger StrikeActivist Sonam Wangchuk launched an indefinite fast at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding institutional accountability for the paper leak and comprehensive exam reforms. Various student organisations and civil society groups joined the fast in solidarity. Early July 2026 – Protests Intensify NationallyAs Wangchuk’s health deteriorated, the movement gained significant momentum across social media and physical demonstration sites.
High-profile political leaders and student union delegates visited Jantar Mantar to extend support. July 16, 2026 – Judicial Intervention & Re-Exam Results Judicial Order: The Delhi High Court directed authorities to provide immediate medical attention to Sonam Wangchuk while respecting legal protocols. Result Declaration: The NTA released the re-examination results. Fresh protests broke out as candidates flagged evaluation discrepancies and questioned the evaluation methodology. July 18, 2026 – Wangchuk HospitalisedCiting severe health deterioration, Delhi Police transferred Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar to Medanta Hospital. Demonstrations persisted despite his removal from the primary protest site. July 20, 2026 – 'Sansad Chalo' March and ClashesThousands of student protesters gathered in the capital for a march toward Parliament. Police deployed barricades to halt the demonstration, leading to physical clashes and multiple detentions. July 23, 2026 – Government Announces ReformsPrime Minister Narendra Modi announced key measures to curb examination breaches, including: Fast-track courts dedicated to paper-leak cases. Proposals for stronger anti-paper-leak legislation. Punitive action against officials guilty of negligence or misconduct. Student representatives maintained that protests would continue until fundamental structural reforms were fully implemented. Student representatives maintained that protests would continue until fundamental structural reforms were fully implemented. July 24, 2026 – Hunger Strike ConcludesSonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day fast following high-level discussions with Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh. While dialogue between protest leaders and the government opened, student groups affirmed their commitment to monitoring further policy changes. July 25: Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns ahead of talks between CJP representatives and Centre as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Addas a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
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