Large-scale protests in New Delhi over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination have triggered heightened security measures, transport curbs, and a wider national debate on exam integrity, policing of demonstrations, and digital rights. What began as claims of a paper leak has evolved into a broad civic movement drawing students, activists, and political leaders across states.
Paper leak allegations and investigation
Controversy erupted after reports that a “guess paper” circulated on WhatsApp closely matched questions from the NEET-UG held on 3 May. With doubts over the test’s fairness, the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the exam on 12 May. The Central Bureau of Investigation later took charge, arresting multiple suspects and probing alleged payments by families to access leaked questions.
A retest was conducted under stringent safeguards, including airlifting question papers in Indian Air Force aircraft. Despite the measures, a significant number of registered candidates did not appear for the rescheduled exam. Student groups and civil society organisations demanded accountability, systemic reforms at the NTA, and greater transparency in test administration.
The Union government has indicated plans to strengthen anti-cheating provisions and transition NEET to a fully computer-based format by 2027, a shift aimed at tightening logistics and reducing vulnerabilities in paper distribution.
Protests escalate and security tightens
Demonstrations gathered pace after the Cockroach Janta Party, led by digital strategist Abhijeet Dipke, organised sit-ins at Jantar Mantar seeking action over the alleged leak. The agitation drew wider attention when environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk launched an indefinite fast. As his health declined, Delhi Police moved him to Safdarjung Hospital following court directions. Dipke later began a fast-unto-death, keeping the spotlight on the protest.
Tensions rose during the “Sansad Chalo” march on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Thousands attempted to march towards the complex, prompting police to deploy water cannons, tear gas, and lathi charges to prevent entry into restricted zones. The mobilisation also saw crowdsourced support, with people across cities placing food and water orders to aid demonstrators at Jantar Mantar. Organisers later urged contributors to send cleaning supplies instead, citing excess food deliveries.
To manage crowd movement, Delhi Traffic Police advised app-based cab, food delivery, logistics, and e-commerce platforms to restrict operations around protest sites using geo-fencing or temporary suspensions. Emergency services were exempt. Opposition leaders criticised the curbs, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav dubbing the measures “Foodbandi” and alleging obstruction of basic supplies to protesters.
Metro station closures and internet curbs
Security measures disrupted daily life in central Delhi, with temporary closures at several Delhi Metro stations on busy corridors. While trains ran, entry and exit at affected stations were halted. Businesses in Connaught Place were advised to shut early amid the heightened deployment.
Authorities also suspended mobile internet services in parts of Jantar Mantar and Connaught Place, citing public order concerns. The blackout hampered cab bookings, navigation apps, and digital payments. During the suspension, many demonstrators reportedly turned to Bitchat, an open-source, Bluetooth-based messaging app that facilitates nearby communication without cellular data, phone numbers, or central servers.
The app drew further scrutiny after officials reportedly sought the removal of related repositories from GitHub, arguing that such tools complicate lawful interception during public disturbances. Digital rights advocates countered that code takedowns would not affect devices where the application was already installed, and urged proportionate, transparent restrictions aligned with due process.
Reform debate widens
The episode has broadened into a discussion on examination security, public safety protocols, and the legal framework governing protests and internet shutdowns. With the CBI probe ongoing and political exchanges intensifying, calls for a credible, tamper-proof testing regime and clearer standards for managing large demonstrations continue to shape public discourse around NEET-UG 2026.
