Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release a comprehensive.
White paper detailing all alleged paper leaks and examination irregularities linked to the National Testing Agency (NTA) over the past eight years.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Singh argued that greater transparency is necessary to rebuild trust among students, many of whom are grappling with uncertainty and anxiety following the cancellation of one of the country’s most important entrance examinations.
The Congress veteran, who also serves as Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, said students have repeatedly raised concerns about the lack of information regarding investigations into previous examination-related controversies.
“I am writing to you to raise a very important concern which several students have relayed to me in the last few weeks,” Singh wrote.
Referring to the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, he said the episode had placed lakhs of aspirants under significant mental stress and intensified questions about the integrity of competitive examinations.
“At a time when the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination has wreaked havoc on the mental health of lakhs of students, one critical stressor for them has been the lack of clarity on how previous paper leaks and related irregularities have been investigated,” he said.
Demand for Greater Transparency
Singh argued that there is currently no publicly available consolidated record detailing instances of paper leaks, the progress of investigations or the action taken against those allegedly involved.
According to him, the absence of official information has created space for speculation and misinformation, further eroding confidence among students and their families.
The Rajya Sabha MP cited several recent developments that, he said, have raised concerns among aspirants. He referred to reports suggesting that Sanjeev Kumar alias Mukhiya, identified as a key accused in the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case in Hazaribagh, is currently out on bail.
He also pointed to reports that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a closure report in the UGC-NET 2024 case, concluding that no irregularities had occurred despite the examination being cancelled earlier by the NTA over concerns of a possible breach.
Singh further noted that a Delhi court had sought a written explanation from the CBI regarding its closure report and that the agency subsequently requested additional time to respond.
According to him, such developments have left many students confused about the status of high-profile investigations.
What the White Paper Should Contain
In his letter, Singh proposed that the government publish a detailed white paper documenting every reported instance of paper leaks or examination irregularities in NTA-conducted tests since the agency’s inception.
He suggested that the document include information on the action taken by the NTA, the CBI and other investigative agencies in each case, along with details of arrests made during the course of investigations.
The Congress leader also recommended that the report provide the current status of every case, including whether investigations are ongoing or complete, and whether chargesheets or closure reports have been filed.
Additionally, he said the government should disclose the reasons behind any closure reports and provide updates on the legal status of those accused, including whether they are facing trial, have been granted bail or have been convicted.
“At a time when lakhs of students are under heavy pressure, it is critical that we reinforce their faith in the system. Such transparency will act as a confidence-building measure among our youth,” Singh wrote.
NEET-UG Re-Exam Scheduled
The demand comes against the backdrop of the NEET-UG 2026 controversy. The examination, conducted by the NTA on May 3, was cancelled on May 12 following allegations of a paper leak.
The matter is currently being investigated by the CBI, while a fresh examination has been scheduled for June 21.
With questions continuing to be raised over examination security and accountability, Singh’s call for a white paper adds to the growing pressure on authorities to provide greater clarity on the handling of exam-related irregularities and the measures being taken to prevent future breaches.
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