The Himachal Pradesh State Committee of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) has demanded that the National Testing Agency (NTA) release the attendance data of candidates who appeared for the NEET-UG re-examination held on June 21.
SFI Raises Concerns Over Drop in Candidate Numbers
Addressing a press conference in Shimla, SFI State President Anil Thakur stated that approximately 22 lakh candidates appeared for the NEET-UG exam on May 3, which was later cancelled due to allegations of a paper leak. The NTA subsequently announced a re-examination on June 21.
Thakur highlighted that several centres across the country reported an unjustified gap between the number of applicants and actual attendees. While 22 lakh students took the initial exam, the NTA reported that over 20 lakh aspirants appeared for the re-examination. This discrepancy raises concerns about why nearly 2 lakh candidates did not appear for the re-test.
Impact on Students and Families
The cancellation of the original exam adversely affected aspirants and their families, with Thakur alleging that around 21 students took their lives as a result. He noted that a large number of students experienced intense mental and psychological distress due to paper leaks and continuous irregularities by the NTA and the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). The situation has structurally isolated students from marginalised sections, pushing them further into economic and mental distress.
Criticism of Union Education Minister's Remarks
Thakur condemned Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's remarks, in which he referred to protesting students as the 'B-Team of terrorists.' Thakur stated that at a time when lakhs of students and their families are suffering due to repeated examination irregularities, paper leaks, and administrative failures, such comments reflect a complete lack of accountability and empathy. Instead of addressing students' concerns and accepting responsibility for the collapse of the examination system, the Minister has chosen to attack those demanding justice.
SFI Launches NEET Complaint Cell
Thakur also announced that SFI has launched a NEET Complaint Cell to assist students and families affected by the mismanagement of the NEET Exam 2026. The federation will help affected individuals and take up valid complaints and suggestions both legally and politically.
