The cancellation of NEET UG 2026 following allegations of paper leaks and examination irregularities has triggered sharp reactions from political leaders and educationists in Bihar, who questioned the credibility and transparency of the country’s examination system and expressed concern over the future of lakhs of students.
Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, said that the future of 23 lakh students has once again been put at risk.
He said that the continuous “paper leaks” allegedly taking place under government protection raise serious questions about the government’s policies and intentions.
“Instead of merely carrying out the formality of superficial investigations, the government needs to engage in self-reflection. It should ask itself, ‘Are we really doing the right thing for the country?’” he said.
Tejashwi further said that with 23 lakh students now required to appear for the re-examination, they would suffer financial losses as well as physical and mental distress. He questioned whether the Prime Minister had evaluated and analysed these consequences.
The RJD leader added, “Dear Prime Minister, a country cannot run merely on speeches. Governance and administration require transparency and accountability. But their objective seems to be not only to trouble ordinary people, but also to use every institution against opposition parties.”
Mukesh Sahani, founder of the Vikassheel Insaan Party and former Bihar minister, said that the cancellation of the examination raises serious questions about the functioning of the Central government and the National Testing Agency (NTA). He said that playing with the hard work, mental pressure and future of millions of students is gradually becoming a normal occurrence.
He further stated that the decision to cancel the examination after allegations of paper leaks and irregularities proves that the government has completely failed to make the country’s examination system secure and transparent.
Anand Kumar, the mathematician known for Super 30, described the paper leak in the NEET examination as “an extremely unfortunate incident”.
“This news is certainly disappointing for students and their parents. However, there is some relief in the fact that the government has cancelled the examination and immediately announced a re-examination,” he said.
“In such difficult circumstances, students and their parents need to remain patient. They should overcome disappointment and once again begin preparation with renewed enthusiasm, confidence and a positive mindset. Hard work never goes to waste.
“Instead of panicking, students should trust that their efforts will definitely bear fruit. Every challenge also brings a new opportunity, and this is the time to stay mentally strong,” Anand Kumar added.