CPI(M) demands repeal of NTA, seeks resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. | Photo credit: ANI

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Saturday (May 23, 2026) demanded the dissolution of the National Testing Agency (NTA) over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and also sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging repeated failures and loss of credibility in the country’s centralized examination system.

In a resolution passed unanimously at the Central Committee meeting held here from May 22 to 24, the CPI(M) expressed “deep concern and anguish” over what it described as repeated leakage of NEET examination papers.

The party claimed that since the NTA was established in 2017, “there have been at least four cases where leaks have been detected” and claimed that the agency has been plagued by many problems in carrying out inspections.

“There have been a number of problems with the conduct of examinations through this central agency, apart from being highly unequal and hostile,” the resolution said. It claimed that “institutional accountability is minimal” and alleged that “the agency earns thousands of crores as revenue”, citing a 2023 Rajya Sabha committee report.

Demanding sweeping changes, the CPI(M) demanded scrapping of the NTA and fixing responsibility for the NEET exam paper leak.

Decentralize examination

The resolution claimed that “the agency has lost credibility that cannot be redeemed by cosmetic changes” and argued that the exams should be decentralized and “returned to the relevant government institutions”.

The party also took exception to the NTA director’s reported claim that the NEET-UG 2026 paper “has not penetrated the system”.

“The NTA director’s claim that the NEET-UG 2026 paper ‘did not penetrate the system’ is an attempt to cover up and protect those responsible,” the statement said.

The CPI(M) further claimed that “initial reports point to political links of the accused with the ruling party” and demanded an impartial probe into the alleged leak and “strong deterrent action” against those responsible.

Psychological and financial distress

Highlighting the impact on students, the party said that the alleged leak has put nearly 22 lakh NEET aspirants and their families in distress.

“Nearly 22 million students affected by this leak are under enormous psychological pressure and their families are facing great financial stress,” it said.

Commenting on the CBSE’s on-screen marking (OSM) controversy for Class 12 exams, the party said it could seriously affect the future of more than 17 million students.

She accused the prime minister and the Union government of being “insensitive” to the students’ concerns.

Expressing solidarity with the students and youth of the country, the party supported the view that Pradhan “has no right to continue” as the Union Education Minister. “He should immediately resign from office,” the CPI(M) said.

Published – 23 May 2026 22:39 IST