With more than 22 lakh students affected by the recent NEET-UG paper leak, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for identification and punishment of all involved, besides suggesting the decentralisation of these exams with greater responsibility given to States and Union Territories.

In a letter to the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the IMA urged that States and Union Territories be given greater responsibility to hold these exams, “under a transparent and accountable framework.”  The doctors association also called for the NEET-UG examination to be conducted online across the country, “to minimize the possibility of question paper leaks and other examination malpractices.”  

Calling for a time-bound CBI investigation, IMA National President Anilkumar J. Nayak said, those involved should be arrested, special fast-track courts should be established for daily hearings, and strict punishment delivered under the relevant laws relating to examination irregularities. “Ensure immediate and exemplary punishment for those responsible for compromising the examination process,” the letter said.

Repeated controversies

Expressing its concern over the allegations of large-scale question paper leakage and compromise of the examination process, the IMA said, “during the last four years, the NEET-UG examination conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency) has faced repeated controversies, including cancellation on two occasions due to incidents of paper leaks and examination irregularities. Such incidents have caused immense mental trauma, stress, hardship, and uncertainty for more than 22.5 lakh students and their families, who dedicate years of sincere preparation for this highly competitive examination.”

In NEET-UG 2026, more than 22.5 lakh students appeared for the examination, across more than 551 cities and over 5,500 centres throughout India. As candidates increase every year, conducting the examination in a single phase and on a single day using physical question papers across the country is “extremely challenging”, the IMA noted. “There is a serious apprehension that similar incidents may recur in the future unless substantial reforms are introduced in the examination system,” it added.

Calling to restore public trust in the examination system through independent oversight and accountability, the IMA suggested “advanced security and technological safeguards to prevent recurrence of such incidents.”

Reduce student anxiety

It also called for clarity on the re-examination schedule “to reduce anxiety among students”, and to establish “accessible counselling and support systems” for the affected aspirants and parents. The leaks have shaken the confidence of hardworking students and their families, who spend years of sacrifice, discipline, and hope toward securing admission into medical colleges, the IMA said.

“The medical profession is built upon ethics, trust, and credibility. Therefore, the process of selecting future doctors must uphold these very same principles,” the letter said.

Published on May 15, 2026