NEW DELHI, MAY 12 — The cancellation of the nationwide NEET-UG 2026 entrance exam has triggered a political storm, with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi labeling the event a “crime against the future.” Speaking on Tuesday after the NTA invalidated the May 3 test, Gandhi asserted that the decision is a direct result of the government’s failure to secure the integrity of national examinations.
Gandhi highlighted the plight of students who spent years preparing for the medical entrance test, only to face a re-conducted exam due to alleged leaks and malpractice. He stated that the “inputs” leading to the cancellation—currently under investigation by specialized agencies—point to a deep-seated culture of corruption that favors those with financial influence over hardworking candidates.
“Some fathers took loans, some mothers sold their jewelry, lakhs of children stayed up all night studying, and in return, they got paper leaks,” Gandhi affirmed. He maintained that this cycle of uncertainty places an unmanageable burden on students from humble backgrounds. The leader declared that education should be a path to success based on merit, not a system dictated by “money and connections.”
The Leader of Opposition noted that the frequent cancellation of high-stakes exams reflects a lack of accountability within the National Testing Agency and the central government. He stated that the nation is witnessing a trend where democratic voices and youth interests are being suppressed by institutional failures. As the government refers the matter to the CBI, Gandhi affirmed that the Congress party will continue to demand justice for the affected students.
