Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday alleged that 90 questions in the UGC-NET examination matched a 'leaked' PDF, claiming the question paper was being sold for Rs 2.25 lakh in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan. The accusation comes amid growing scrutiny of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Modi government's handling of exam irregularities.
Rahul Gandhi's Allegations
Speaking to reporters, Gandhi stated that the UGC-NET paper leak is part of a broader pattern of exam scams under the current administration. He asserted that the leaked PDF contained questions that were identical to those in the actual exam, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the testing process. According to Gandhi, the paper was being sold for Rs 2.25 lakh in multiple states, indicating a widespread network of malpractice.
Government Response and Context
The allegations follow the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam in June 2024 after the Ministry of Education received inputs about potential compromises. The NTA had been under fire earlier for irregularities in the NEET-UG exam, which led to student protests and demands for a high-level investigation. The government has since formed a committee to review the NTA's functioning, but critics argue that systemic reforms are needed to prevent future leaks.
Student Protests and Political Fallout
Students across the country have been protesting against the repeated exam irregularities, demanding accountability and transparency. The opposition has seized on the issue, with Rahul Gandhi leading the charge against the Modi government. He called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accusing him of failing to ensure fair examinations. The government, however, has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and has promised strict action against those involved in the leak.
Impact on Competitive Exams
The UGC-NET, which determines eligibility for assistant professor positions and junior research fellowships, is a crucial exam for thousands of aspirants. The cancellation and subsequent allegations have left many candidates in limbo, with the next exam date yet to be announced. The controversy has also cast a shadow over other competitive exams conducted by the NTA, including the CSIR-UGC NET and the ICAR AIEEA.
