14 May,2026 12:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) on Thursday strongly criticised the Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA) over the alleged leak of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) question paper, claiming that repeated examination scandals have exposed serious flaws in the system.
In an editorial published in the party mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction alleged that "paper leaks" had become a recurring pattern under the current administration and questioned the government's ability to conduct major national examinations fairly and transparently.
The criticism came after the Central government decided to cancel the NEET examination following widespread allegations of a paper leak, affecting more than 22 lakh students across the country.
The editorial argued that while students are subjected to strict examination rules in the name of transparency, authorities have repeatedly failed to prevent leaks of question papers.
It pointed out that candidates are barred from carrying items such as watches, shoes and certain clothing into examination centres, yet confidential exam papers allegedly continue to circulate illegally before the tests are conducted.
According to the editorial, the latest controversy has once again raised concerns over the credibility and integrity of India's competitive examination system.
The party also claimed that honest students are paying the price for administrative failures and alleged corruption within the examination process.
The Saamana editorial further alleged the existence of a wider network involving corrupt officials, printing presses and private coaching institutes.
According to the article, leaked NEET question papers were allegedly sold for large sums of money to wealthy families seeking admission to medical colleges through unfair means.
The editorial claimed that some coaching institutes allegedly used access to leaked papers to ensure high scores for their students and later used those results for promotional campaigns to attract more admissions.
It also alleged that question papers were circulated on social media platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp and Instagram under the guise of "guess papers" before the examination.
The editorial claimed that investigators have traced links related to the paper leak to several states, including Maharashtra, Kerala, Haryana, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir.
Within Maharashtra, cities such as Nashik, Pune and Latur were mentioned in connection with the alleged network.
The party noted that although the Central Bureau of Investigation has made multiple arrests in connection with previous paper leak cases, there is public scepticism over whether those responsible will face strict punishment.
The editorial referred to earlier examination leak cases from 2017, 2021 and 2024, claiming that several accused individuals later secured bail.
The Thackeray-led faction also questioned why the NTA allegedly failed to act despite receiving advance warnings about a possible paper leak before the examination.
The editorial asked why authorities did not replace the question paper despite reports suggesting that concerns had emerged nearly a week before the exam was conducted.
It further argued that students who prepared honestly for the examination were now being forced to suffer because of failures within the system.
The party also highlighted the difficulties faced by students due to the cancellation and re-examination process.
While the NTA has reportedly waived registration fees for the fresh examination, the editorial stated that many students, especially those from rural areas, would still have to bear travel, accommodation and other related expenses once again.
The editorial also stressed the emotional and psychological pressure being faced by students and parents amid uncertainty over admissions and examination fairness.
According to Saamana, the controversy has intensified demands for accountability from the Centre and examination authorities as millions of medical aspirants remain uncertain about their academic future.
(With inputs from IANS)
