Nationwide Protests Erupt Over Alleged NEET Paper Leaks

Widespread unrest broke out across India on July 23, 2026, driven by allegations of irregularities and paper leaks in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Education Minister, became the central target of the demonstrations, with students and youth organizations in multiple states demanding his immediate resignation.

In Bihar, protests escalated into violence in Darbhanga, Begusarai, and Katihar, where students pelted stones and attempted to storm District Magistrate offices. Police responded with lathi-charges and tear gas, resulting in injuries to both students and officers. In Patna, authorities filed First Information Reports against over 600 unidentified protesters for vandalizing public property.

Simultaneously, the unrest took a partisan turn as supporters of the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) engaged in rival clashes. In Raipur, stone-pelting prompted the use of water cannons, while in Shivamogga, party workers attempted to siege each other's offices. In Bilaspur, Congress workers burned an effigy of the Prime Minister to protest police action against students at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

Further demonstrations occurred in Bhopal, where nursing students joined the agitation, and in Panvel, with support from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and the Peasants and Workers Party. Protesters across these regions cited a systemic failure to protect examination integrity and called for accountability for the police force used against peaceful demonstrators.