NEET 2026: Doctors demand NTA accountability, probe into irregularities

New Delhi: Doctors' bodies have demanded strict action over the alleged NEET paper leak incident, accountability from the National Testing Agency (NTA), resignation of the Union Education Minister. They have also raised concerns regarding the forcible removal of Sonam Wangchuk from his peaceful hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.

In its letter dated July 18, 2026, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) urged the President to intervene in what it described as a matter of national importance concerning the integrity of the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET), the accountability of the National Testing Agency (NTA), and the protection of democratic rights.

The association said that the repeated allegations of irregularities and paper leaks in the NEET examination have severely eroded the confidence of lakhs of students and their families in the country's medical entrance examination system.

"These recurring incidents have caused unprecedented psychological distress among aspirants. It is deeply concerning that several students have reportedly lost their lives by suicide in the aftermath of these controversies, highlighting the devastating human cost of systemic failures and the urgent need for meaningful reforms," the letter mentioned.

The FAIMA consistently raised these concerns before all the competent authorities. It had submitted representations demanding a transparent investigation, fixation of responsibility upon the concerned officials, and institutional accountability.

Furthermore, the association approached the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India by filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking accountability of the National Testing Agency and comprehensive reforms to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

The association alleged that despite repeated representations and judicial intervention, no effective action has been taken against officials responsible for the repeated examination failures.

FAIMA urged the President to consider several measures, including a high-level independent inquiry into all instances of NEET irregularities and paper leaks, fixing personal accountability of officials responsible for examination lapses, comprehensive structural reforms in the National Testing Agency to restore transparency and public confidence, serious consideration of dissolving and restructuring the National Testing Agency and fixing ministerial accountability, including appropriate action against the concerned authorities.

The association also raised concerns over the reported removal of education reform advocate Wangchuk from his peaceful hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on July 18. It alleged that he was removed from the protest site in an "insensitive, inhuman, and undemocratic" manner during the early hours of the morning and admitted to Safdarjung Hospital against his wishes.

Calling peaceful protest a fundamental democratic right, FAIMA requested an impartial examination of the incident and urged authorities to safeguard citizens' constitutional freedoms. It also sought regular medical updates on Wangchuk's health, transparent medical management while respecting his dignity and legal rights, and regular communication with his family and authorised representatives regarding his condition.

AIIMS RDA writes to PM

In a separate letter dated July 18, 2026, the Resident Doctors' Association (RDA), AIIMS New Delhi, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensure a thorough, impartial, and time-bound investigation, and to take the strictest possible legal action against every individual or organization found to be involved, irrespective of their position or influence in the NEET paper leak incident.

"The NEET examination serves as the gateway to the medical profession for lakhs of aspiring students across the country. The alleged paper leak has shaken public confidence in the fairness and credibility of one of India's most important competitive examinations. Such incidents not only undermine the efforts of hardworking students but also erode trust in institutions responsible for selecting the future healthcare workforce," the letter read.

Regarding the removal of Wangchuk from his peaceful indefinite hunger strike, AIIMS RDA said, "India has long taken pride in its democratic traditions, where peaceful expression of views and constructive dialogue have been fundamental pillars of our society. While maintaining law and order is undoubtedly essential, we believe that peaceful demonstrations deserve to be addressed with restraint, sensitivity, and meaningful engagement. Such an approach reinforces public confidence in democratic institutions and upholds the constitutional values that define our Republic. As doctors serving the nation, we firmly believe that public trust in institutions—whether educational, administrative, or democratic—is essential for a strong and progressive India. We respectfully request your intervention to ensure accountability in the NEET paper leak case and to encourage an approach that prioritizes dialogue and respect for peaceful democratic expressions."

Also read- Academicians seek Education Minister's resignation over NEET 2026 row