NEET paper leak a 'grave sin'- PM Modi says Govt stands with students, promises strict action against culprits

New Delhi: Amid the row over the NEET UG 2026 paper leak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said the government acted immediately after the examination leak came to light and promised strict action against those responsible.

Calling the NEET paper leak a "ghor paap" (grave sin), the Prime Minister said all those involved in the case had been arrested, and 13 accused were currently in custody.

The NEET UG 2026 exam was conducted on May 3 by the National Testing Agency and was held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM in pen-and-paper mode. Over 22.7 lakh aspirants appeared for the examination this year. It took place across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad, covering over 5,400 centres.

However, on May 12, 2026, the NTA declared the examination held on May 3 cancelled and subsequently announced a re-examination on June 21, 2026.

This came in the backdrop of the probe by the Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group, which reportedly found a “guess paper” containing more than 100 questions similar to those asked in the NEET UG examination. The question paper series under scrutiny has been described as a “guess paper” which reportedly contained around 410 questions. Out of these, nearly 120 questions are alleged to have appeared in the Biology and Chemistry sections of the examination.

In the aftermath of the exam cancellation, protests were held, with aspirants and members of the medical fraternity condemning NTA and the Education Ministry for the failure.

Due to the alleged controversy, the central government decided to refer the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations. Based on the Centre's direction, the CBI registered an FIR in the case and so far arrested 13 people.

Addressing the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting at the GMC Balayogi Auditorium in the Parliament Library Building, PM Modi appealed to state governments to work together to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure that examination processes remain secure.

PM Modi, as quoted by Moneycontrol, said, "It is easy to go on the wrong path, but it is much more tougher to come back onto the right path, and we have to bring them on the right path. That is our responsibility."

According to PM Modi, the youth was being "misled." He said, "Do not incite them, show them the right path."

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said in the meeting that the government "stands with the students" amid concerns over the NEET examination paper leak and called for strict action against those involved in the irregularities.

Addressing the reporters after NDA Parliamentary Party 'Mangal Milan' meeting, Rijiju said the Prime Minister made it clear that the government stands with students and that paper leaks are a matter of national concern that should not be politicised.

"On the NEET exam, the PM said we stand with the students. Those involved in paper leaks must face strict action, in consultation with top lawyers. Paper leaks are a matter of national concern and must not be politicised. Strict action should be taken not only by the Centre but also by states wherever paper leaks occur," Rijiju said.

Rijiju's remarks come after the CJP's protest over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak intensified on Monday, with a party delegation meeting Union Health Minister JP Nadda to press its demands, even as a march towards Parliament turned violent.

Also read- Doctors allege police assault while treating injured NEET protesters near Parliament