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NEET-UG 2026 cancelled: J&K Congress protests in Jammu, demands Supreme Court-monitored probe
The National Testing Agency cancelled NEET-UG 2026 conducted on May 3, with a reconduction planned and a CBI probe announced. On May 13, 2026, Jammu and Kashmir Congress staged protests in Jammu, burning an effigy of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and demanding a Supreme Court-monitored inquiry into the exam irregularities.
Why It Matters
The protests reflect political response to a major examination disruption and highlight calls for judicial oversight and accountability in education-related irregularities.
Timeline
6 Events
Impact on students highlighted by protest leader
May 13, 2026
Bhalla criticized the postponement of examinations after months of preparation, saying it affects students' morale and mental preparedness and demanded a foolproof system to ensure transparency in future competitive examinations.
Bhalla links NEET controversy to wider recruitment scams in J&K post-2014
May 13, 2026
Bhalla alleged that irregularities linked to NEET and recruitment scams in Jammu and Kashmir have surfaced since 2014, citing irregularities in fire services, accounts assistant, junior engineer and sub-inspector recruitments, and urged the Centre to take strict anti-corruption action.
Bhalla calls for accountability and transparency in examinations
May 13, 2026
Raman Bhalla stated that a Supreme Court-monitored inquiry should be set up to expose alleged nexus and to restore student trust, and that strict action should be taken against those involved in paper leaks with responsible individuals resigning.
Effigy of Union Education Minister burnt during protest
May 13, 2026
The protesters burnt an effigy of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan during the demonstration in Jammu.
Jammu and Kashmir Congress protests over NEET cancellation in Jammu
May 13, 2026
On May 13, 2026, scores of Congress workers and leaders, led by JKPCC working president Raman Bhalla, demonstrated outside the party headquarters in Jammu carrying party flags. They raised slogans against the BJP government and demanded a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the alleged NEET irregularities and action against those involved.
NTA cancels NEET-UG 2026; announces reconduction and CBI inquiry
May 3, 2026
The National Testing Agency announced the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 (conducted on May 3) and stated that the examination would be reconducted on dates to be notified separately. The agency also said that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) would conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations linked to the examination.