Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Center over allegations of irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 exam, claiming that “NEET has now become an auction” and accused the government of failing to safeguard the future of thousands of students.
His comments came even as the National Testing Agency (NTA) confirmed that the May 3 examination was conducted under “full security protocol” and said it was cooperating with investigative agencies probing the matter.
Read also | NEET-UG 2026: NTA says committed to conducting fair and credible exams amid Rajasthan SOG probe
What did Rahul Gandhi say?
Speaking to X, Rahul Gandhi said there have been 89 leaks and 48 retests in the last 10 years. But he did not mention any report or evidence for this claim.
“Heard news about NEET 2026 papers leaking. It is not an exam anymore – NEET is now an auction. Many questions were sold on WhatsApp 42 hours before the exam. More than 22 lakh children studied through sleepless nights throughout the year, burned the midnight oil and in one night, their future was auctioned in the market,” Gandhi’s social media post said.
He added: “This is not the first time. In 10 years, 89 papers have been leaked, and 48 retests have been done. And every time, the same promises, then the same silence.”
He highlighted how such leaks could “shatter” the dreams of many Indian students.
“Modi ji, when you pass the all-fail bill to the public, the future of the children of the poor is included in the bill itself. The confidence of 22 lakh children has been shattered. No one poses a greater threat to the dreams of India’s youth than the Modi government,” he said.
He also reiterated his support for Indian youth.
“I stand with the youth of India. This is a very difficult time – I know that. But this system will not stay like this. Together, we will change it,” Rahul Gandhi posted on X.
Read also | NEET-UG 2026: NTA says committed to conducting fair and credible exams amid Rajasthan SOG probe
Rajasthan inquiry into allegations
Rajasthan Police’s Special Operations Group is investigating allegations of malpractice linked to NEET examination. Vishal Bansal, Additional Director General, SOG, confirmed that the specific ‘guess sheet’ containing 410 questions is being scrutinized to identify any cheating or criminal activity.
It is claimed that approximately 120 questions from this set were identical to those on the chemistry portion of the actual exam. Bansal said the document was in circulation for up to a month before the exam date, and authorities are currently investigating the extent of any criminal activity involved.
Read also | NTA responds after Rajasthan Police launch probe into NEET UG ‘guess paper’: ‘Matter is under investigation’
NTA’s response to the alleged regularity
The National Testing Agency said NEET (UG) 2026 was conducted under “full security protocol” and it was working closely with investigating agencies amid reports of alleged irregularities being investigated by the Rajasthan SOG.
The National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 3 for students seeking admission to undergraduate level medical education courses.
In a post on website
Biometric verification has been conducted for all candidates, and 5G jammers have been deployed at centers to ensure the sanctity of the exam, the agency said. “The screening process itself went as planned at all centers that day,” the NTA said.
“The National Testing Agency is aware of reports regarding action initiated by Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) in connection with alleged irregularities around NEET (UG) 2026. The examination was conducted on May 3, 2026 as scheduled and under complete security protocol,” the NTA said.
According to the agency, inputs regarding the alleged malpractice activity were received late in the evening of May 7, after four days of examination, and were escalated to central agencies on the morning of May 8 for “independent verification and necessary action.”
