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Rahul said, expressing anguish over the mental stress students are facing amid repeated examination controversies

NEW DELHI: Launching a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi-led government over recurring examination paper leaks and recruitment scams, Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused the Centre of failing India’s youth and allowing a “corrupt system” to destroy the future of millions of students.

Reacting to the death of 21-year-old NEET aspirant Ritik Mishra from Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri and another student in Goa, the Congress leader alleged that repeated paper leaks and examination fraud had pushed students into despair while authorities escaped accountability.

“These children didn’t lose to the exams — a corrupt system killed them. This isn’t suicide — it’s murder by the system,” Rahul Gandhi said.

‘No more competitive exams now’

Referring to Ritik Mishra, who had reportedly appeared for NEET UG 2026 for the third time, Rahul said the student broke down emotionally after learning that the examination had been cancelled following allegations of a paper leak.

“‘No more competitive exams now’ were his last words,” Rahul said, expressing anguish over the mental stress being faced by students amid repeated examination controversies.

The NEET-UG 2026 examination, conducted earlier this month, was cancelled by the National Testing Agency after allegations surfaced of question paper leakage and widespread irregularities. The matter is currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

Rahul cites data on exam scams.

The Congress MP used statistics to intensify his criticism of the government, alleging that examination fraud had become systemic under the BJP regime.

According to Rahul Gandhi, between 2015 and 2026, India witnessed 148 examination scams, resulting in the cancellation of 87 examinations and affecting nearly nine crore students.

He further claimed that despite multiple investigations, accountability remained absent.

“Only one case out of the 148 scams resulted in punishment,” he alleged.

Rahul also claimed that while the CBI investigated 17 cases and the Enforcement Directorate handled 11 cases linked to examination irregularities, “no one was punished”.

‘Those who steal papers get rewarded’

Targeting the handling of medical entrance examinations in particular, Rahul alleged that there had been at least 15 scams linked to NEET, AIPMT and other medical entrance tests over the years.

“And the most shameful part — not a single officer or minister responsible resigned. They’re removed and then quietly reinstated to higher positions. Those who orchestrate the theft get rewarded, while the children taking the exams lose their lives,” he said.

Questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly, Rahul asked: “Modi ji — how many Ritiks will it take to awaken your accountability?”

‘We will fight this battle together’

Addressing students and aspirants across the country, the Congress leader assured that the Opposition would continue raising the issue of paper leaks and examination corruption.

“My young friends, your pain is my pain. Your hard work is my hard work. Those who steal your future will have to answer. No matter how long it takes, no one will be spared — this is my promise,” Rahul Gandhi said.

“We will fight this battle together — and we will win,” he added.

Jairam Ramesh also attacks the Centre.

Congress general secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh also criticised the government over examination controversies and rising prices.

“Blows on students from NEET, strikes on the common people from petrol-diesel prices, assaults on women’s kitchens from milk — the Prime Minister has only sermons ready,” Ramesh remarked.

Growing pressure on the government

The controversy surrounding NEET-UG 2026 has triggered nationwide outrage, particularly after the cancellation of the examination affected over 22 lakh aspirants preparing for medical admissions.

The issue has once again intensified the political battle over examination reforms, transparency and accountability in India’s competitive examination system.

Education experts and student groups have increasingly demanded stricter safeguards, faster investigations and institutional reforms to prevent recurring paper leaks and recruitment scams that continue to impact millions of candidates across the country.