CPI(M) calls NTA unaccountable, cites ‘at least four’ exam leaks since 2017, and seeks Pradhan’s resignation
Allegations of a NEET-UG 2026 paper leak triggered a fresh political demand on May 23, with The Hindu reporting that the Communist Party of India (Marxist) called for the National Testing Agency to be scrapped and sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. [1]
In its intervention, CPI(M) argued that the testing body operates with “minimal institutional accountability” even as it earns “thousands of crores” in revenue, a charge it said was backed by a 2023 Rajya Sabha committee report. [1] The party also claimed that since the NTA was set up in 2017, there have been “at least four instances” of exam paper leakages. [1]
The party demanded that examinations be decentralised and handed back to relevant government institutes. [1] It also sought an impartial probe into the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and called for strong deterrent action, while asserting that initial reports point to political links of the accused with the ruling party. [1]
The remarks came amid a broader sequence of developments around the contested test. On May 12, the National Testing Agency cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 exam and ordered a CBI investigation into paper leak irregularities, and on May 15 it announced a re-exam scheduled for June 21. [1] On May 22, it said NEET-UG candidates could submit bank details for a fee refund till May 27. [1]
CPI(M) said its Central Committee, meeting from May 22 to 24, expressed “deep concern and anguish” over repeated leak of NEET examination papers. [1] It also criticised the NTA Director’s assertion that the NEET-UG 2026 paper was “not leaked through the system,” calling it an attempt to cover up and protect those responsible. [1]
Timeline· Developing
NTA announces NEET-UG re-exam scheduled for June 21 amid ongoing examination controversies, allows candidates to submit bank details for fee refund till May 27, while AIDSO protests the NEET-UG paper leak demanding abolition of NTA, and MP calls for a comprehensive probe into NEET irregularities.
Student groups protest alleged NEET paper leak
AIDSO and other student groups staged protests alleging irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, demanding action and calling for the abolition of the National Testing Agency. The demonstrations signaled widespread student anger and public scrutiny of the exam process.
- MP demands comprehensive probe into NEET irregularities
A Member of Parliament publicly sought a comprehensive investigation into the reported NEET exam irregularities, increasing political pressure on authorities to respond to the allegations. The call added momentum to demands for an official inquiry.
NTA cancels NEET-UG and orders CBI probe
The National Testing Agency cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 exam amid the paper leak allegations and directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to conduct a formal probe into the irregularities. The cancellation marked a major escalation and acknowledged the severity of the breach.
NTA schedules NEET-UG re-exam for June 21
Following the cancellation, the NTA announced that a re-examination for NEET-UG would be held on June 21, setting a timetable to resume the admissions process. The date provided candidates and institutions a clear next step amid disruption.
NTA opens refund details submission window
The NTA allowed NEET-UG candidates to submit bank details to receive fee refunds, setting a deadline of May 27 for submissions. The move addressed immediate logistical and financial concerns for affected candidates.
Sources (1)
Published May 23, 2026
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