NEW DELHI: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has addressed a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, expressing strong condemnation of the alleged paper leak in the NEET-UG 2026 examination and demanding prompt action against the National Testing Agency (NTA) and those implicated in the malpractice.
In the letter, the IMA urged the government to decentralize the NEET-UG examination process by enhancing the roles of states and Union Territories, advocating for increased transparency and restoring public trust in the examination system. The organization voiced “profound concern and deep disappointment” regarding the controversies surrounding the medical entrance examination, stating that repeated irregularities have caused “immense mental trauma, stress, hardship, and uncertainty” for millions of aspirants and their families.
The scale of the NEET-UG examination was highlighted, noting that over 22.5 lakh students participated across more than 551 cities and 5,500 centers nationwide. The IMA warned that administering such a large-scale examination in a single phase with physical question papers has become “an extremely challenging task,” raising the risk of future leaks unless structural reforms are implemented.
To mitigate the potential for leaks and examination-related malpractice, the doctors’ body has called for the NEET-UG to transition entirely to an online format across all states and Union Territories. Furthermore, the IMA has demanded a “credible and time-bound” CBI investigation into the alleged leak, insisting on the apprehension of all individuals involved and the establishment of special fast-track courts for daily hearings, with strict penalties under laws addressing examination irregularities.
The association also advocated for a thorough and impartial investigation to identify every individual and institution connected to the alleged leak, along with the implementation of advanced technological safeguards to prevent future incidents. Additionally, the IMA requested timely updates regarding the re-examination schedule to alleviate anxiety among students and propose counseling and support systems for affected aspirants and their parents.
“The medical profession is built upon ethics, trust, and credibility. Therefore, the process of selecting future doctors must uphold these very same principles,” the letter emphasized. The IMA reiterated that ongoing controversies regarding national-level entrance examinations have undermined the confidence of students who dedicate years to preparing for medical admissions. The organization asserted, “India’s students are the architects of Viksit Bharat. They deserve the assurance that their future will be determined solely by merit, hard work, and honesty.”
This letter follows the NTA’s announcement that the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination is scheduled for June 21, after the initial exam on May 3 was canceled due to allegations of widespread irregularities and question paper leaks.
