At a rally in Dehradun, Rahul Gandhi highlighted the alarming rates at which leaked NEET UG exam papers are being sold, calling for urgent reforms in the education system.
New Delhi, India Jul 17, 2026 ALN: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, delivered a scathing critique of the Indian education system during the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' rally in Dehradun on Friday. He accused the Central government of allowing a culture of examination paper leaks to flourish, claiming that these leaks are now available at fixed prices, facilitated by advanced technology. This rally comes at a time when the integrity of educational assessments is under unprecedented scrutiny, raising concerns about fairness and equal opportunity in a system that is supposed to be merit-based.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET UG) has become a focal point of this debate, as it serves as a gateway for aspiring medical students across India. The examination system is designed to be a standardized measure of a student's readiness for medical education, but the allegations of paper leaks threaten to undermine its credibility. The implications of such leaks extend beyond individual students; they raise questions about the broader educational framework and the values it promotes.
Gandhi presented a series of graphics to illustrate his points, arguing that the integrity of the examination process has been compromised, and that honest students are suffering due to a system that favors the privileged few. He highlighted the disparity between those who can afford to pay for leaked papers and those who cannot, further exacerbating existing inequalities within the education system. This stark division is not just a matter of academic performance; it reflects deeper societal issues of access and privilege that have long plagued India's educational landscape.
During his address, Gandhi unveiled a graphic titled "Paper Ka Rate," which detailed the alleged prices of leaked examination papers. According to the chart, the NEET UG 2026 paper is reportedly being sold for ₹40 lakh, while IIT-JEE 2021 and Uttarakhand Patwari 2025 papers are priced at ₹15 lakh each. Additionally, the Bihar Teacher Recruitment 2024 examination paper is listed at ₹10 lakh, and the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector 2025 exam paper at ₹25 lakh. These figures underscore the alarming commercialization of education, where access to opportunities can be purchased rather than earned through hard work and dedication.
"High technology is being used for paper leaks; if you have crores, you can select from a menu card of paper leaks," Gandhi stated, emphasizing the severity of the issue. This statement reflects a growing concern among educators and policymakers about the intersection of technology and education. While technology has the potential to enhance learning and assessment, it is also being exploited for unethical practices, revealing a need for stringent regulations and oversight in the educational sector.
Gandhi elaborated on the injustices faced by students, identifying four key issues: the exorbitant cost of education, limited opportunities for success, and the pervasive problem of paper leaks. He expressed concern that out of 150 students, only one might succeed, highlighting the unfairness of the current system. This statistic, whether exact or illustrative, points to a broader issue of systemic failure in providing equitable educational opportunities for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
"The reality is that there isn't just one path; there are two. Our discussion today focuses on this issue: the paper leak. How do paper leaks happen, who is responsible, and what could be the proposed solutions?" he asked the audience. This call to action is not merely a political maneuver but an invitation for collective introspection about the values and priorities that govern India's education system.
Gandhi asserted that the repeated instances of examination leaks reflect a systemic failure within India's education framework. He stated, "The state of India's education system is such that paper leaks have become the norm." This assertion is alarming, as it suggests that such unethical practices are no longer isolated incidents but rather indicative of a larger trend that undermines the very foundation of academic integrity.
He presented another graphic titled "Paper Leak Epidemic," which claimed that approximately 7.5 crore students have been affected by 152 cases of paper leaks, with no convictions reported. This staggering number raises critical questions about accountability and the effectiveness of current measures in place to safeguard the examination process. The lack of convictions also highlights potential systemic corruption, where those responsible for maintaining the integrity of the examination process may themselves be complicit in its failure.
In a further illustration labeled "System Par Kabza," Gandhi argued that the problem extends throughout the examination ecosystem, involving various stakeholders such as ministries, exam agencies, vendors, paper setters, and coaching centers. This multifaceted issue suggests that addressing paper leaks requires a comprehensive approach that examines the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in the examination process.
"1% uses the system, follows the path of paper leak, and hurts 99% others who are honest and poor," he added, emphasizing the need for reform. This stark contrast between the minority that exploits the system and the majority that suffers from its consequences illustrates the urgent need for systemic change to ensure that the education system serves all students equitably.
Gandhi demanded immediate relief for students affected by paper leaks, advocating for protection and compensation for those who suffer due to these incidents. "Students should be given protection; those suffering due to paper leaks must be compensated, and immediate re-examinations should be held," he urged. His call for compensation reflects a growing recognition that the consequences of paper leaks extend beyond academic performance, impacting students' mental health, future opportunities, and overall well-being.
He called for comprehensive reforms in the examination system, arguing that it should be centered around students rather than the government. "Today's exam system is government-centric; we want a student-centric system, secured question banks, and randomized question papers," he stated. This shift in focus from a bureaucratic to a student-centered approach could potentially enhance the fairness and integrity of the examination process, ensuring that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed based on their abilities.
Gandhi also criticized the outdated nature of India's testing model, asserting that it has failed to keep pace with technological advancements. "The current exam testing system is of the 19th century; we must evolve to a 21st-century system," he declared. This statement underscores the need for innovation in educational assessment, where new technologies can be harnessed to create more secure and equitable testing environments.
In closing, he emphasized that addressing paper leaks should not be a political issue, urging all parties to collaborate on finding solutions. "There can be political consensus on ending paper leaks, which everyone must implement," he concluded. This call for unity in addressing a pressing national concern reflects a broader desire for systemic reform in India's education system, one that prioritizes integrity, fairness, and opportunity for all students. The implications of Gandhi's statements extend beyond the immediate context of the rally; they resonate with ongoing discussions about educational reform, social justice, and the role of government in ensuring equitable access to quality education.
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