NEET Paper Leak: Protectors Turned Predators, says Dharmendra Pradhan

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday said that “protectors turned predators” in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, alleging that some teachers entrusted with responsibilities by the National Testing Agency (NTA) failed to discharge their duties properly. Speaking on the matter, he said the agency had trusted certain teachers, but some misused that trust, leading to the controversy. Pradhan’s remarks came after the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination was conducted on June 21 under heightened security arrangements for more than 20 lakh candidates. Referring to the accused, he said, “Rakshak hi bhakshak ban gaye,” adding that deserving students must receive a fair and transparent opportunity, reports HT.

The minister also expressed anguish over the recent deaths of several NEET aspirants who were reportedly under stress following the paper leak controversy and re-test announcement. “As Education Minister, I curse myself every time there is a student suicide,” he said, while accusing the Congress and Rahul Gandhi of politicising the issue. Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the alleged paper leak, has arrested 13 people so far. The NTA had cancelled the original May 3 examination on May 12 after allegations emerged that the question paper had been leaked.