Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday described the alleged paper leak and subsequent postponement of the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) as a “theft” of the future of young aspirants. The examination, scheduled for Sunday, June 28, 2026, was called off after a police raid in Bhiwandi town of Thane district uncovered individuals in possession of several questions purportedly similar to those from the actual test paper, officials confirmed.
Rahul Gandhi's statement on the paper leak
“Another paper leak. Another exam cancelled. This time, Maharashtra’s TET. The country’s education and examination system has been turned into a system of extortion, leaving every youngster in the country insecure,” Gandhi posted in Hindi on X. He added, “This is not just a paper leak, it is the theft of the youth’s future.” The Congress leader’s remarks come amid growing public anger over repeated examination irregularities across India.
Details of the Bhiwandi raid and investigation
The breach came to light in the early hours of Saturday when police acted on confidential intelligence about individuals possessing unauthorized information about the examination paper. The raid, conducted in Bhiwandi, Thane district, led to the seizure of question papers believed to be from the TET. Police have registered a case against three individuals in connection with the incident, officials said. The Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) issued a statement affirming its commitment to conducting the examination with complete transparency. “Given the gravity of the situation and the necessity for an in-depth probe, the exam scheduled for June 28, 2026, has been postponed,” the MSCE said.
Impact on candidates and education system
The postponement has left thousands of candidates across Maharashtra in uncertainty, many of whom had prepared for months for the test, which is a mandatory qualification for teaching positions in state schools. This incident adds to a series of exam paper leaks in India, including recent cases in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, raising serious questions about the integrity of the examination system. Critics argue that such leaks not only disrupt careers but also erode trust in public institutions. The Thane district administration has assured a thorough investigation, with further details expected as the probe progresses.
