The father of a NEET aspirant, Mishra, on Saturday expressed his profound grief and anger over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, wishing aloud that his son Ritik, who died earlier this month, could have witnessed Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. "I wish my son was alive to see this day," Mishra said, his voice trembling. Ritik was appearing for his third attempt at the medical entrance exam, and the news of the leak devastated him, Mishra added.
Pradhan Steps Down Amid Crisis
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post as Union Education Minister on Friday, taking moral responsibility for the paper leak that has sent shockwaves through the student community. The resignation came after days of nationwide protests by medical aspirants demanding accountability. The government has since announced a high-level committee to investigate the breach and recommend measures to prevent future incidents.
Father Recalls Son's Struggle
Mishra described Ritik as a dedicated student who had spent three years preparing for NEET. "This was his third and perhaps final attempt. He had put everything into it," the father said. When the exam was overshadowed by the leak, Ritik felt cheated and hopeless. "He couldn't bear the thought of going through another year of uncertainty," Mishra added, stopping short of detailing the circumstances of his son's passing.
Students Demand Fair Exam
Across the country, aspirants have been demanding a re-examination and strict action against those responsible for the leak. Many have staged sit-ins and marches. The National Testing Agency has assured students that a retest will be conducted soon for affected candidates. Meanwhile, the opposition has accused the government of negligence and called for a parliamentary inquiry.
Timeline of Events
The alleged leak came to light on July 10 when a question paper was found circulating on social media. The NTA cancelled the exam in the affected centers and announced a retest. Protests escalated over the following weeks, leading to Pradhan's resignation on July 25. The CBI has reportedly registered a case and arrested several individuals in connection with the leak.
Mishra appealed to the Prime Minister to ensure a fair investigation and punishment for the culprits. "My son's dream was destroyed. I don't want any other parent to suffer like this," he said. The incident has reignited debates about the integrity of high-stakes competitive exams in India.
