Thiruvananthapuram: Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has described the allegations surrounding the NEET-UG question paper leak as “extremely serious and condemnable”, calling for the disbanding of the National Testing Agency (NTA).

In a strongly worded statement, Vijayan said repeated controversies over leaks and irregularities in the medical entrance examination were eroding the confidence of lakhs of students who invest years preparing for the highly competitive test. He said such incidents were undermining their aspirations and future prospects.

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Vijayan, a Polit Bureau member of the CPI(M), also alleged that institutions responsible for ensuring the credibility and security of national examinations had failed in their duty. He noted that this was not the first instance of alleged leaks since the NTA was entrusted with conducting major entrance exams.

“Restore credibility of exam system”

Calling for urgent reforms, Vijayan said the NTA should be disbanded and examination responsibilities returned to traditional government agencies, as was the practice earlier. He also sought a transparent, time-bound probe and strict punishment for those found guilty.

He further raised concerns over alleged corruption and the influence of coaching networks, saying such issues were depriving students from economically weaker backgrounds of fair opportunities despite years of hard work and financial sacrifice.

Vijayan urged the Centre to intervene immediately to restore public trust in the examination system, warning that students’ futures should not be “turned into an experiment” or a “mockery”.

Probe underway after cancellation of NEET-UG 2026

The remarks come after NEET-UG 2026 was held on May 3 and subsequently cancelled following reports of a possible question paper leak. The case is now under investigation by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

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The National Testing Agency (NTA) had on Tuesday announced the cancellation of the exam with government approval, stating that the decision was necessary to maintain transparency and safeguard public trust in the national examination system. A fresh examination will be scheduled later.

(PTI)