The NEET-UG 2026 exam controversy has turned into one of the biggest public protests seen in New Delhi in recent years. What started as allegations of a question paper leak has now become a nationwide movement involving students, activists, political leaders, and civil society groups.
As the protests grew, authorities increased security across central Delhi. Several restrictions were introduced, including limits on app-based food delivery and cab services, temporary closure of metro stations, internet suspension in some areas, and tighter police deployment near protest sites.
The developments have also started a wider discussion about exam reforms, public safety, digital rights, and how governments should handle large public protests.
NEET-UG 2026 paper leak sparked nationwide anger
The controversy began after claims that the NEET-UG 2026 question paper had been leaked before the exam held on 3 May. Reports said a “guess paper” shared on WhatsApp matched many questions from the actual exam, raising serious concerns about the fairness of one of India’s biggest entrance tests.
After the allegations, the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the exam on 12 May. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) later took over the investigation and arrested several people linked to the alleged paper leak. Investigators claimed that some families paid large amounts of money to get access to the leaked questions.
A fresh NEET exam was later held under very strict security. Question papers were transported using Indian Air Force aircraft to prevent another leak. Even after the retest, lakhs of registered candidates did not appear for the exam.
Soon, the issue became bigger than just an exam. Students and activists demanded strict action against those responsible, reforms within the NTA, and greater transparency in future examinations. The government has also announced plans to strengthen anti-cheating laws and shift NEET to a fully computer-based exam by 2027.
Delhi security tightened as protests became bigger
The protests gained momentum after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), founded by digital strategist Abhijeet Dipke, organised demonstrations at Jantar Mantar demanding accountability for the paper leak.
The movement received more attention after environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest with an indefinite hunger strike. As his health worsened, Delhi Police shifted him to Safdarjung Hospital following court directions. Soon after, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke started his own fast-unto-death, keeping the protest in the national spotlight.
The situation became more tense during the “Sansad Chalo” march held on the first day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session. Thousands of students and supporters marched towards Parliament, where security forces used water cannons, tear gas, and lathi charges to stop the crowd from entering restricted areas.
The protests also saw strong public support from people across India. Many supporters placed food, water, and tea orders through online delivery platforms and asked delivery partners to distribute them among protesters at Jantar Mantar. As the number of deliveries increased, protest organisers requested supporters to stop sending food and instead donate cleaning supplies like dustbins, gloves, and brooms.
To control the situation, Delhi Traffic Police advised app-based cab, food delivery, logistics, and e-commerce companies to restrict services in and around the protest zones through geo-fencing or temporary suspension. Ambulances and fire services were allowed to continue operating without restrictions.
The decision received criticism from opposition leaders. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called the move “Foodbandi” and accused the authorities of stopping protesters from getting basic supplies.
Metro closures and internet restrictions added to public inconvenience
As security arrangements became stricter, normal life in central Delhi was also affected. Several Delhi Metro stations on major routes were temporarily closed. Trains continued to run, but passengers could not enter or leave at the affected stations. Businesses in Connaught Place were also advised to close early because of the security situation.
Authorities also suspended mobile internet services in parts of Jantar Mantar and Connaught Place, saying the move was needed to maintain law and order. The shutdown made it difficult for many people to book cabs, use maps, or access online services.
During the internet suspension, many protesters reportedly started using Bitchat, an open-source messaging app created by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. The app allows nearby phones to send messages through Bluetooth without using mobile data, phone numbers, or central servers.
The app later became part of another controversy after authorities reportedly sought the removal of several related GitHub repositories. Officials argued that such technology could make it difficult for law enforcement agencies to monitor communications during public disturbances.
However, digital rights groups criticised the move, saying that removing online code would not stop the app from working on phones where it had already been downloaded.
What started as an examination controversy has now grown into a much larger issue involving education reforms, public protests, policing, digital freedom, and government accountability. With investigations still underway and political debate continuing, the NEET-UG 2026 controversy remains one of the biggest national issues in the country.