Paper Leak Scandal Deepens as Student Deaths Raise Questions Over India’s Exam System
NEW DELHI- In a devastating fallout from the cancellation of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026, at least four aspiring medical students across India have died by suicide in recent days. The National Testing Agency (NTA) scrapped the exam, originally held on May 3 and taken by over 22 lakh candidates, following a major paper leak scandal. A re-examination is scheduled for June 21.
Families and reports attribute the deaths to immense mental stress, depression, and shattered hopes after years of rigorous preparation. The incident has triggered widespread outrage, protests, and political demands for accountability.
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Pradeep Meghwal (22, Rajasthan): A resident of Gudha Godji in Jhunjhunu district, Pradeep had been preparing for NEET in Sikar for three years while living in a rented room in Jaldhari Nagar with his two sisters. He allegedly hanged himself using his sister’s scarf on Friday. His father stated that Pradeep performed well in the exam and was expecting around 650 marks, making the cancellation particularly devastating.
Ritik Mishra (21, Uttar Pradesh): From Lakhimpur Kheri, this was Ritik’s third attempt at NEET. Family members described him as highly confident of success this time. He was found dead at his home, with relatives linking the act to emotional shattering caused by the cancellation. No suicide note was recovered.
20-year-old woman (Delhi): From the Azadpur area (Adarsh Nagar / Lal Bagh JJ cluster), she had been preparing for NEET for several years after Class 12 and came close in a previous attempt (short by four marks). She was hopeful after the May 3 exam but became deeply distressed upon hearing of the cancellation. Her family found her hanging; no note was left. She aspired to become a doctor.
17-year-old boy (Goa / Bengaluru connection): A NEET aspirant from South Goa (reportedly originally from Bengaluru) also died by suicide, with reports mentioning a suicide note expressing despair over the exam system.
These cases highlight the intense pressure on students in India’s highly competitive medical entrance system, where many dedicate years to coaching and study, often at great personal and familial cost.
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Arrests in the Paper Leak Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing the leak, which reportedly involved guess papers matching up to 90 biology questions. As of now, at least nine arrests have been made in a multi-state racket involving Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
- PV Kulkarni, a retired Pune chemistry professor and alleged kingpin with NTA connections.
- Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a Pune botany teacher and NTA insider.
- Others such as Dhananjay Lokhande (Ayurveda practitioner) and Manisha Waghmare (from Pune).
The probe continues with raids across locations, focusing on how papers were allegedly leaked through coaching networks for large sums.
Protests and Public Outrage
Protests have erupted in several cities, including Delhi, with student unions like NSUI and SFI leading demonstrations. Slogans such as “Doctor Ki Degree Bikao Hai” (Doctor degrees are being sold) and demands for the Education Minister’s resignation have been prominent. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, have criticized the “corrupt system” and called the deaths “institutional killings.”
Students and political groups demand stricter security for exams, compensation for affected aspirants, and systemic reforms. Heavy police deployment has been reported at protest sites.
The tragedies have renewed calls for mental health support for students. Helplines like Aasra (022-27546669), Sneha India, and others are available for those in distress.
This crisis underscores ongoing concerns about the integrity of India’s competitive exams and the mental toll on young aspirants. Authorities have pledged “zero tolerance” for irregularities, but public trust remains severely shaken.
