The episode has reignited debate over India’s exam governance, the coaching industry, and the credibility of medical admissions.
On May 25, the Supreme Court expressed strong displeasure at the NTA’s handling of the NEET-UG paper leak, observing that the agency had “not learnt its lesson” despite repeated directions since earlier exam controversies. The Court noted that the futures of nearly 23 lakh medical aspirants were at stake and demanded a detailed affidavit from the NTA outlining corrective measures.
The Court also directed consideration of computer-based testing (CBT) and secure digital protocols to prevent physical custody risks of question papers. Petitioners, including medical associations, have sought either a statutory authority to replace the NTA or a complete restructuring of its governance model.
Soon after the NEET leak, allegations of irregularities in the MH CET 2026 exam surfaced. Reports highlighted students with weak academic records scoring 100 percentiles, raising suspicions of manipulation.
Congress leader Sachin Sawant alleged that entrenched officials in the CET cell had enabled malpractice by remaining in the same positions for nearly a decade. He compared the situation to the Vyapam scam, demanding a high-level probe into the CET process.
The Congress Party has accused the Modi government and the NTA of attempting a cover-up. Senior leader Jairam Ramesh claimed that the NTA director general misled a Parliamentary Committee by denying the leak, despite evidence of guess papers circulating with identical questions.
Ramesh branded the NTA the National Trauma Agency, arguing that repeated failures have eroded public trust in India’s exam system. The opposition has framed the issue as a governance failure, intensifying political pressure on the Centre.
The controversy has also drawn attention to India’s coaching industry, particularly in Maharashtra, where unregulated centres dominate medical exam preparation. Analysts argue that the single high-stakes exam model fuels malpractice, inequity, and dependence on coaching hubs.
(Source: Agencies)