Former Miss World Manushi Chhillar shares her experience of taking the NEET exam twice due to a paper leak, supporting current student protests for accountability.
Doha, Qatar Jul 24, 2026 ALN: For Manushi Chhillar, the demand to 'just write it again' doesn't add up. The actor and former Miss World has revealed that she had to sit for the medical entrance exam twice in 2015 after a paper leak, which she has described as traumatic. Now, as protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak continue across India, Manushi has spoken out in support of students demanding accountability and reform.
Manushi, who was last seen in the film Maalik, took to Instagram on Thursday to share her personal experience and extend her support to the protesters. She said students today are being asked to endure the same emotional and mental anguish she experienced a decade ago. Her statements resonate with many young aspirants who have devoted years to prepare for competitive exams, only to face systemic failures.
“In an unfair world, education becomes the biggest equaliser. Seeking reform should never be mistaken for rejecting our institutions. Democracies become stronger when they are willing to listen, learn and improve… Every generation has a responsibility to leave behind a stronger system than the one it inherited,” she wrote. This sentiment highlights a crucial aspect of the ongoing discourse surrounding educational reforms in India, where the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) serves as a vital gateway for aspiring medical professionals.
In a lengthy caption, Manushi recalled the toll the 2015 paper leak took on her and explained why asking students to simply retake an exam misses the larger issue. Her experience is emblematic of the struggles faced by countless students who invest significant time, effort, and resources into their education. She stated, “I have always believed that in an unfair world, education becomes the biggest equaliser. Anyone who is saying 'just write it again' is missing the point. We have to have sensitivity. I’ve written it, twice in 2015 due to a paper leak then as well. It is not just an exam, it represents years of hard work, sleepless nights, sacrifices and aspirations.”
Manushi’s reflections touch on the broader implications of educational integrity and the emotional toll that systemic failures can impose on students. The NEET exam is not merely a test; it encapsulates the dreams and ambitions of thousands of young Indians who aspire to enter the medical field. The pressure to perform well is immense, and the ramifications of failure can extend beyond the exam itself, affecting mental health and future career prospects.
“You don’t realise the value of your dream of becoming a doctor till you’re at a coaching centre, where parents have borrowed beyond their means to send their children to study, or those who have spent years together trying to clear the exam, the same years I felt frustrated sitting at home due to a pandemic during my early twenties, facing delays, at a stage where all you want is to do something meaningful and impactful. The belief is simple, education could change everything,” she added. This statement underscores the sacrifices made by families in pursuit of educational success and the societal pressure that accompanies it.
Manushi stressed that the protests, and calls for reform, should not be interpreted as an attack on the country or its institutions. Rather, she emphasized the importance of constructive criticism and the need for improvement within the educational framework. “This isn’t about being against our country or our institutions. It is about believing they can be better. Every generation has a responsibility to leave behind a stronger system than the one it inherited. I have faith in India. I have faith in our democracy. And I have faith that the strongest solutions are found through dialogue, constitutional processes and mutual respect,” Manushi added.
Her call for empathy and understanding is particularly relevant in the current climate, where tensions are high and emotions run deep. “Let compassion guide us. Let understanding unite us. And let us never forget our youth is our future,” she concluded. This message resonates with the core values of unity and progress, urging society to come together to address the underlying issues plaguing the educational system.
The NEET protests have garnered significant attention across India, with tens of thousands of young protesters, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), gathering at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar. They are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the education system, including the NEET paper leak. This incident has sparked widespread outrage, as students feel that their futures are jeopardized by systemic failures.
Similar demonstrations have also erupted in several other cities, including Mumbai and Bengaluru, highlighting the nationwide discontent surrounding the integrity of the examination process. The protests are indicative of a larger frustration with the educational system, where students and their families are increasingly vocal about their demands for accountability and reform.
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founding president Abhijeet Dipke on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accept Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, warning that the protests would escalate if the demand was ignored. This call for accountability reflects a growing sentiment among the youth that those in power must be held responsible for the failures of the system.
In a show of solidarity, educator and activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike for over 20 days, ended his fast early on Friday morning. His actions have drawn attention to the plight of students and the urgent need for reforms in the educational sector. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also issued a statement saying the accused in the NEET leak have been arrested and the government is setting up fast track courts to expedite the case. This response aims to reassure the public that the government is taking the allegations seriously and is committed to addressing the concerns raised by the protesters.
The NEET protests underscore a critical moment in India's educational landscape, where the aspirations of youth are colliding with systemic failures and a demand for accountability. The voices of students, backed by influential figures like Manushi Chhillar, are calling for a reevaluation of the existing structures and the implementation of reforms that prioritize fairness and integrity in the examination process. As these protests continue, the implications for the future of education in India remain profound, with the potential to reshape the landscape for generations to come.
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