NEET PAPER LEAK
NEET-UG 2027 may retain pen-and-paper option as southern states push back against exam overhaul
Centre's proposed examination reforms have encountered resistance from southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu and Kerala, potentially delaying a full transition to computer-based NEET-UG until 2028-29. The Nilekani panel is considering a gradual shift, retaining the pen-and-paper option in 2027 while building consensus and addressing concerns over accessibility.
Centre gives Nandan Nilekani-led exam reform panel more time, extends deadline to January 2027
Centre has extended the deadline for the Nandan Nilekani-led examination reform task force to January 2027. The six-member panel has received over 50,000 suggestions and consulted former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan. Its mandate includes recommending measures to prevent paper leaks and strengthen India's examination system following repeated NEET controversies.
Abhijeet Dipke meets Mamata Banerjee; says CJP not to join INDIA bloc rally but supports cause
Dipke said he had called on Banerjee to express gratitude for her support to the outfit's first protest at Jantar Mantar on the NEET paper leak issue and her backing when its leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were arrested by the Delhi Police.
NEET paper leak case: Delhi court reserves order on framing charges against 14 accused
A Delhi court has decided to reserve its order regarding the framing of charges against 14 accused individuals. This decision is related to the NEET-UG paper leak case, which has raised significant concerns. The Central Bureau of Investigation previously filed a chargesheet against 13 of the accused earlier this year. After the NEET-UG was cancelled due to allegations of a paper leak, a re-examination was subsequently conducted.
Dipke thanks Delhi Ramlila organisers for 'free publicity' over cockroach effigy
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, thanked event organizers for creating publicity. The 30-foot cockroach effigy represents filth and promotes cleanliness as part of national campaigns. Event organizers indicated this year’s additional effigy addresses social issues like hygiene-related health problems. The CJP has been leading protests against various political figures in recent months. The cockroach effigy has sparked conversations about the appropriateness of blending politics with traditional celebrations.
Tryst with hyperpolitics: CJP won’t determine Gen Z’s political future, how opposition parties harness its energy will
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) reflects a shift towards hyperpolitics in India amid ongoing youth protests. As traditional political parties mobilise against the Election Commission, CJP remains an independent and amorphous entity without formal structure. This model captures fleeting moments of youth anger but lacks sustainability due to minimal institutional support. Observers note that CJP's successes are often propelled by established political parties' organizational efforts.
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Delhi Police’s Rs 15.7 crore facial recognition CCTV tender flags surveillance concerns
Delhi Police has issued a Rs 15.7-crore tender for the installation of CCTV cameras with facial recognition capabilities. The tender, part of a modernization initiative, specifies 338 cameras for Central and New Delhi. Concerns have been raised regarding the procurement process and surveillance safeguards. Installation is expected to commence in December 2026 or January 2027.
Home Secretary tenders unconditional apology to SC over non-compliance on Delhi restrictions, seeks discharge of contempt notice
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has apologized unconditionally to the Supreme Court concerning a contempt notice issued. He clarified that the October 9 restrictions aimed to maintain peace amid potential protests in Delhi. Mohan emphasized that the internet shutdown was implemented to address public order concerns. The suspension of services was limited to cellular internet and did not affect Wi-Fi connections.
SC told portal ready for July student protest violence complaints
A complaints portal is being developed to address grievances from protesters and police regarding the July protests. The Supreme Court has instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs to provide necessary infrastructure for the initiative. Complaints will be submitted anonymously to protect the identities of witnesses and complainants. Two templates will be available for protesters and police personnel wishing to file complaints.
NEET paper leak: CBI files first supplementary chargesheet; no govt, NTA official named as accused
Central Bureau of Investigation filed a supplementary chargesheet in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. This chargesheet names one new accused, bringing the total to 14 individuals charged. The investigation continues without naming any NTA officials as accused in the case. CBI emphasized the presence of a larger conspiracy and organized paper leak gang. A re-test was initiated after the examination was previously canceled due to the alleged leaks.
Narendra Modi 'soon-to-be ex-PM'; if VP can resign in India, why can't CEC: Sachin Pilot
Sachin Pilot described Narendra Modi as a soon-to-be ex-prime minister amid ongoing opposition protests. He called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Ganesh Kumar due to alleged electoral irregularities. Pilot emphasised that no amount of police force can suppress the voices of young people. The opposition is working collectively to address concerns regarding election integrity.
Andhra Pradesh IAS officer and realtor friend among four charged in Bengaluru pub case
An IAS officer named Vikas Marmat and three associates were charged after assaulting police officers. The incident occurred at a nightclub in Bengaluru during a routine check for underage drinking. Officers requested age verification from young women, which angered Marmat and his friends. They allegedly abused and physically attacked the police personnel present at the scene.
CBI files supplementary chargesheet in NEET paper leak case
The CBI has filed a supplementary chargesheet against Sheshrav Bajrang Suryawanshi, the 14th accused in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, alleging he supplied leaked examination papers to candidates and collected money from their families. The agency claims he worked with co-accused Shubham Khairnar in Nanded, Maharashtra.
UPI MDR rollout delayed; Rs 7,131 crore RDI deployment
NPCI has pushed back the UPI MDR rollout until after the festive season. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5.
Nandan Nilekani, NEET reform panel head, wants to end ‘question papers’: Infosys co-founder has an unusual plan to prevent paper leaks
Nandan Nilekani's Anti-Neet Paper Leak Plan: Nandan Nilekani has proposed generating NEET question papers at the last minute using AI and a large question bank to reduce paper leak risks. The Infosys co-founder also wants India to expand computer-based testing facilities as part of wider examination reforms.
Nandan Nilekani calls for AI-generated question papers, nationwide computer-based testing
Nandan Nilekani suggested a significant change in India's examination framework during the Bloomberg Economic Forum. He emphasized the use of artificial intelligence to create question papers on the day of the exam. This approach aims to eliminate the risk of leaks and fraud associated with traditional question papers. Nilekani noted the importance of transitioning to a Computer-Based Testing model nationwide for equitable access.
Jantar Mantar protest site denotified: Small businesses fear losses as footfall dries up
The Delhi Police has denotified Jantar Mantar as a designated venue for protests, leading to concerns among local vendors. Shopkeepers report a significant decrease in foot traffic and expect losses due to fewer protests and office-goers. Small businesses reliant on protest crowds are particularly worried about declining earnings in the area. The decision comes after recommendations by a committee from the Union Home Ministry on alternative protest locations.
A testament to democracy: Looking back at Jantar Mantar's legacy of dissent
Jantar Mantar has historically served as a crucial venue for public protests and demonstrations in New Delhi. The de-notification by Delhi Police risks diminishing its importance for citizen activism and dissent. Activists believe that losing this designated space will limit citizens' ability to hold the government accountable.
From raising students' concerns, CJP has suddenly shifted to electoral issues: BJP
BJP officials criticize the Cockroach Janta Party for shifting their protest focus away from student issues towards electoral matters. BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi remarked on how swiftly the CJP’s agenda has altered. Despite these claims, CJP leaders pledge to keep protesting against alleged violations in voter registrations, while the BJP asserts recent student union elections demonstrate robust support for their movement.
Parliamentary panel seeks ban on rallies, public gatherings on crucial exam days
A Parliamentary committee has recommended that district administrations prohibit rallies and public gatherings on examination days. This measure aims to prevent disruptions that could impact candidates' ability to arrive on time. Candidates who arrive late may face entry denial, wasting their preparation efforts due to minor delays. The report also suggests separate time for formalities to minimize disturbances during exams.
Parliamentary panel indicts NTA; hope 'arrogant' Modi govt takes it seriously: Congress
Congress raised serious issues regarding the National Testing Agency, including malpractice and incompetence. A recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report outlines claims of paper leaks since 2017, contradicting official statements. The NTA's structure lacks accountability, as it heavily relies on private contractors for examinations. Additionally, the agency has earned significant revenue but failed to invest in improving examination infrastructure.
NTA reforms: Panel proposes age, attempt limits and two-stage entrance tests after NEET cancellation
A parliamentary panel has called for stronger oversight of the National Testing Agency after NEET-UG 2026 was cancelled over alleged paper leaks. Its recommendations include parliamentary accountability, possible age and attempt limits, a two-stage entrance test structure, secure government-run computer-based testing centres and a national registry of blacklisted vendors. The report also flagged a 41% vacancy rate at the agency and urged permanent recruitment of examination specialists.
Internet services to be suspended from tonight in Central Delhi for 24 hours amid CJP’s October 10 Jantar Mantar protest call
Mobile internet will remain suspended within a 4-km radius of the Janpath-Kartavya Path crossing in Delhi from 10 pm on October 9 to 10 pm on October 10. The suspension comes as the Cockroach Janta Party plans a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10.
NEET UG should be computer-based, NTA must vet paper setters, says Parliamentary panel
A Parliamentary panel has made several recommendations regarding the NEET (UG) examination and the National Testing Agency. It suggests that NEET (UG) should transition to a computer-based testing format for greater efficiency. The panel emphasizes the importance of having a reliable system to evaluate the integrity of paper setters. Furthermore, it recommends a robust question bank without prior knowledge of the questions.
Western, Central Railways cancel and reschedule Mumbai-Delhi trains ahead of CJP protest at Jantar Mantar
Several trains from Mumbai to New Delhi have been rescheduled or cancelled ahead of planned protests in the capital. The Central and Western Railways announced these changes due to expected traffic disruptions on October 10. Refunds will be provided for affected passengers, who voiced concerns over these abrupt cancellations. The protests aim to address allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar regarding electoral roll tampering.
NEET protest: SC rejects plea for independent probe into CJP agitation
On Friday, the Supreme Court turned down a petition for a fair investigation into the Cockroach Janta Party protests. The demonstrations were held concerning the alleged NEET paper leak, leading to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The petition called for police independence in maintaining law and order during the investigation processes. The court also upheld its previous decision to quash certain FIRs under Article 142.
Students must be heard, batons are no solution: Murli Manohar Joshi
Murli Manohar Joshi addressed the media at the FICCI Higher Education Summit regarding student protests. He emphasized that students' demands should be heard with empathy and understanding. Joshi compared students to children, suggesting that their concerns must be taken seriously by authorities. He expressed his disapproval of using force to handle protests, citing the impact on society.
NEET-UG paper leak case: CBI seeks more time for probe, court hearing deferred to Oct 14
The Central Bureau of Investigation provided an update on the NEET-UG paper leak case, seeking additional time for the probe. The Special Fast Track Court at Rouse Avenue adjourned the charge framing hearing until October 14. Sheshrao Bajrang Suryawanshi is the 14th accused awaiting a supplementary charge sheet. Judicial custody for Suryawanshi has been extended to October 14, 2026, while video conferencing will be used for all accused.
JPC to reach out to youth, institutions on Education Bill
The panel, headed by BJP MP D Purandeswari, has held consultations in Kolkata, Goa and Bengaluru to understand what students and young people want from higher education institutions and the proposed new regulatory framework.
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