By: News Desk 92Pavilion | Updated: July 2026
The NEET paper leak protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has entered its second month. Students are demanding the resignation of India’s Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest began on June 6, 2026, after allegations surfaced of a leaked medical entrance exam paper. Tensions escalated on July 20, when police clashed with demonstrators near Parliament.
How the Protest Began
The unrest traces back to India’s National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, known as NEET. It’s the exam millions of Indian students take each year to get into medical college. This year, allegations emerged that the exam paper had leaked before students sat for it.
The protest formally began on June 6, led by a youth movement called the Cockroach Janta Party. Student groups, including the All India Students Association, joined soon after. On June 28, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike at the protest site, drawing wider national attention to the cause.
What Students Are Demanding
At the center of it all is one clear demand: the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Students say the government has failed to protect the integrity of one of the country’s most important exams.
Protesters are also pushing for broader reforms. They want stronger safeguards against future leaks and greater transparency in how national exams are conducted and graded.
The Situation Escalates
On July 20, thousands of protesters attempted to march toward Parliament. Delhi Police blocked the route, leading to a tense standoff. Demonstrators allege they were forcibly removed and struck with batons during the clash.
Following the incident, authorities increased security across the city. Officials shut down access at several metro stations near Jantar Mantar. Mobile internet services in the surrounding area were also suspended for a period, a measure typically used to limit the spread of protest coordination online.
Political Reactions Grow Louder
The protest has drawn national political attention. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited the demonstration site to show support for the students. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also called for the education minister’s resignation, saying no fair discussion could happen until he stepped down.
Opposition lawmakers have held their own protests outside Parliament, echoing the students’ demands and criticizing the police response.
Personal Stories Behind the Movement
Behind the political noise are ordinary students taking real risks. Some travelled to Delhi without telling their families, worried they’d be stopped from joining. Several have been living at the protest site in makeshift tents for weeks.
For many, the fear isn’t just about this year’s exam. It’s about what could happen in future years if nothing changes. Students worry that without reform, another leak could derail their futures too.
Where Things Stand Now
As of this report, the protest continues, with no resignation announced and no clear resolution in sight. A nationwide strike has been called for July 24, in response to the police action during the Parliament march.
The government has reportedly offered to hold talks with protest organisers, though it’s unclear whether that offer will be accepted given ongoing tensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What sparked the NEET paper leak protest?
A: Allegations that this year’s NEET medical entrance exam paper was leaked before the test, raising concerns about fairness for millions of students.
Q: When did the protest start?
A: The protest began on June 6, 2026, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Q: What are protesters demanding?
A: The resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and stronger safeguards against future exam leaks.
Q: Why did the protest escalate on July 20?
A: Protesters attempting to march toward Parliament clashed with police, who blocked their route near the building.
This report is based on reporting from India TV News, Telangana Today, and Wikipedia’s documentation of the 2026 Delhi Jantar Mantar protests.
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