Physics Wallah co-founder and CEO Alakh Pandey joined the ongoing student protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Thursday, calling on the government to engage directly with students protesting over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and broader concerns about India's examination and recruitment systems.

His appearance comes days after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been leading the demonstrations, criticised Pandey for not publicly supporting the movement and appealed to students to boycott educators who remained silent.

'This is bigger than NEET,' says Alakh Pandey

In a video shared from the protest site, Pandey said the demonstrations reflected students' frustration with the wider education system rather than a single examination.

"On July 20, the students of India held a historic protest. This was the anger of students against the entire education system. This isn't just about NEET."

He stressed that the issues being raised extend beyond medical entrance examinations.

"It's not just about NEET. It's about IIT, CBSE, SSC, education and recruitment. It is about everything that is being discussed here."

According to Pandey, the protests represent broader concerns over examination integrity, educational reforms, and recruitment processes across the country.

Appeals to government for dialogue

Pandey urged the government to open a dialogue with the protesting students instead of allowing tensions to escalate.

"Why doesn't the government talk to these children? These are our country's children. Please come and speak to them at least once. Listen to their problems. They have come onto the streets out of helplessness."

He also criticised the reported use of force against peaceful demonstrators during recent protests, saying students deserve to have their grievances heard through democratic engagement.

Physics Wallah pledges support to affected families

During his address, Pandey announced that Physics Wallah would extend educational support to families of students who allegedly died by suicide in the aftermath of the NEET controversy.

"I will fully support the families of all those students who committed suicide. I will provide complete education to all the children in their families."

The announcement was made alongside his appeal for authorities to address students' concerns through discussion and reforms.

Protests continue over alleged NEET paper leak

The demonstrations at Jantar Mantar have continued for several days, with students demanding greater transparency in the examination system and accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak.

Among the key demands raised by protesters are:

• A transparent investigation into the alleged paper leak.
• Reforms to strengthen examination security.
• Accountability for those responsible for irregularities.
• Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The protests intensified following the July 20 'Chalo Sansad' march, during which clashes were reported between a section of protesters and police. Despite the confrontation, students have continued their demonstrations, maintaining that they will persist until their concerns are addressed.

Veer Madho Singh Bhandari Uttarakhand Technical University (VMSB-UTU), Dehradun, has cancelled two even-semester examinations following a suspected question paper leak involving an external paper setter. The university has ordered fresh examinations in the third week of August 2026 to safeguard the integrity of its examination system.

The cancelled papers are Machine Learning for Internet of Things (IOTT004) and Electromagnetic Field Theory (ECT043), conducted during the 2025–26 even-semester examinations.

Inquiry finds alleged breach of examination confidentiality

According to the university order, the decision was taken after a complaint regarding the Machine Learning for Internet of Things examination prompted the Vice-Chancellor to constitute a high-level inquiry committee.

The investigation, along with an internal inquiry conducted by Shivalik College of Engineering, Dehradun, found that Ashish Kumar Gupta, an Assistant Professor and external question paper setter, allegedly shared examination questions with students through the institute's internal portal and WhatsApp before the examination.

The university termed the alleged act a serious violation of the confidentiality, integrity, and academic standards of its examination process.

The inquiry further indicated a strong possibility that the Electromagnetic Field Theory (ECT043) paper, also prepared by Gupta, may have suffered a similar breach of confidentiality.

Fresh examinations to be held in August

To preserve the credibility of the examination system and protect students' interests, the university has cancelled both examinations with immediate effect.

The re-examinations are scheduled for the third week of August 2026, while the detailed timetable and examination centre list will be announced separately on the university's official website.

Affiliated colleges have been instructed to notify all affected students immediately and upload the university's order on their institutional websites to ensure students receive adequate time to prepare for the fresh examinations.

Faculty member barred for seven years

As part of the disciplinary action, the university has barred Ashish Kumar Gupta from undertaking any examination-related work for VMSB-UTU for seven years, with immediate effect.

The university also issued a strong warning to Shivalik College of Engineering, Dehradun, citing inadequate institutional monitoring and control mechanisms. The institute has been directed to strengthen oversight and ensure strict compliance with examination confidentiality norms to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The action comes amid increasing scrutiny of examination security across the country, with universities and testing agencies facing growing pressure to strengthen safeguards against question paper leaks and restore confidence in assessment processes.

As nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak continue, television actor Rupali Ganguly has voiced support for students demanding a fair and transparent examination system while strongly condemning violence during demonstrations.

Reacting to videos showing clashes between protesters and police during the July 20 'Chalo Sansad' march in Delhi, the Anupamaa actor said students have every right to seek justice, but attacking police personnel or damaging public property only weakens their cause.

Rupali Ganguly supports students, draws line at violence

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ganguly said that those engaging in violence should not be seen as representatives of the student movement.

"Those who take the law into their own hands, vandalize public property, and attack the police cannot be called students. Such actions only weaken a legitimate cause," she wrote.

She added that concerns over paper leaks are genuine and deserve urgent attention.

"The demand for justice over paper leaks is valid. Students deserve a fair examination system, accountability, and strong safeguards to ensure that such incidents never happen again."

Ganguly also noted that governments and investigating agencies have launched investigations, arrested suspects, and initiated legal proceedings in connection with recent paper leak cases while announcing measures to strengthen the examination process.

'Peaceful protest is the strongest way to bring change'

The actor cautioned that violence can overshadow legitimate student concerns and make it easier for political or other vested interests to exploit the movement.

"Unfortunately, when violence replaces peaceful protest, genuine student concerns risk being overshadowed. If anti-national or politically motivated elements exploit student movements for their own agenda, it harms the very students seeking justice."

Calling for unity and restraint, she urged students not to allow their movement to be diverted from its original purpose.

"To every student and every citizen: protest peacefully, stay united, and do not let anyone hijack your movement or manipulate your emotions for political or ideological agendas. Your future is too important to become someone else's tool. Peaceful, democratic action is the strongest way to bring lasting change."

Why are students protesting?

The ongoing protests were triggered by allegations of irregularities and a paper leak in the NEET examination, leading to widespread demands for accountability and reforms in India's medical entrance examination system.

Students, parents, and supporters have held demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and several other cities, demanding:

• Greater transparency in the NEET examination process
• Accountability for those responsible for alleged paper leaks
• Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
• ₹1 crore compensation for families of students who died by suicide
• Release of activist Sonam Wangchuk

The movement intensified during the July 20 'Chalo Sansad' march, where clashes between a section of protesters and police resulted in the use of tear gas and batons. Despite the confrontation, demonstrations have continued, with students insisting they will keep pushing for a transparent and credible examination system.

Naimisha Pradhan, daughter of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, has disabled her Instagram account after facing online criticism linked to her decision to pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) degree at Tufts University in Massachusetts, United States. The social media backlash followed ongoing protests demanding the minister's resignation over education-related issues, including concerns surrounding NEET.

The controversy gained momentum during demonstrations organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, where protesters called for the Union Education Minister's resignation. Following the protests, social media users reportedly identified Naimisha Pradhan's Instagram account and posted comments linking her overseas education to criticism of India's education system.

According to reports, Naimisha completed her LLM degree in 2023. Several social media posts questioned why the Education Minister's daughter pursued higher education abroad, with some users arguing that it reflected concerns about India's education system. Others extended the criticism by commenting on posts related to her university.

However, several social media users also urged restraint, arguing that criticism should remain focused on public officials rather than their family members. Many pointed out that relatives of elected representatives should not be subjected to personal online attacks or held responsible for government policies.

Dharmendra Pradhan responds to protests

Responding publicly to the ongoing protests for the first time, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticised opposition leaders for, in his view, politicising student concerns during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

In a post on X, Pradhan alleged that opposition parties were using students' issues for political purposes despite the government's willingness to discuss NEET and other education-related matters in Parliament.

He reiterated that the government remained committed to addressing students' concerns, stating that reforms, accountability, and constructive discussion were essential. Pradhan also said that students deserved meaningful solutions rather than political confrontation.

The episode has sparked wider discussions on social media about the boundaries between political accountability and the privacy of family members of public officials, with many users arguing that public debate should focus on policy decisions rather than individuals who do not hold public office.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday broke his silence on the NEET paper leak controversy with a late-night video message, announcing a series of measures aimed at restoring confidence in India's examination system amid nationwide protests over alleged examination irregularities.

The Prime Minister said the issue was very painful and that the students and parents were worried about it, and that the government was determined to make the competitive examinations fair and transparent.

PM Modi Assures Students of Government Action

The Prime Minister in his speech said that the government was aware of the emotional toll on lakhs of students who had been preparing for competitive exams for months, due to the alleged paper leaks.

He said that the protection of the interests of students was still a top priority and that every effort was being made to ensure the integrity of the examination process was maintained.

Arrested In Connection With The Paper Leak Cases

Modi pointed to the government's action in the last two and a half months, stating that it had identified and arrested several accused in paper leak cases. He said that the government would take strict action against the culprits as investigations continued and that it was committed to regaining the public trust in the examination system.

Re-Examinations conducted for 22 Lakhs of students

The Prime Minister said the government had conducted re-examinations for nearly 22 lakh students to ensure they did not lose an academic year because of the controversy.

According to Modi, the results of the re-examinations were declared on July 19, allowing affected students to continue the admission process without major delays. He said the decision was taken to protect students' academic future while investigations into the alleged paper leaks continued.

The Government will Enact a More Stringent Anti-Paper Leak Law.

The government's intention to put in place a tougher law to tackle examination paper leaks was one of the main points in the Prime Minister's speech. The Union Cabinet will hold a discussion on the proposed legislation on Friday before finalizing its provisions, Modi said.

He also said the government would present a Bill in Parliament next week with measures to impose harsher penalties on people who leak examination papers and commit other malpractices.

The draft bill would also provide for fast-track courts to ensure paper leak cases are heard and decided on priority. The government will do its utmost to pass the Bill at the earliest, the Prime Minister said.

Rahul Gandhi Questions PM's Response

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi immediately responded to the Prime Minister's address, saying the video message did not mention the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

In a post on X, Gandhi urged the Prime Minister not to "insult the intelligence of students" and reiterated three demands of the Opposition.

He demanded Pradhan's resignation, action against those who allegedly assaulted the protesting students and an apology from the government.

The criticism came a day before the nationwide protest call by the Cockroach Janta Party and just after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk broke his 26-day hunger strike in support of the student movement.

Government Signals More Reforms

The Prime Minister ended his speech by reiterating that safeguarding the future of India's youth was one of the top priorities of the Government.

The Centre's recent statements suggest that further legal and administrative steps may be taken to enhance the credibility of competitive examinations and to stop future paper leak incidents, as protests against alleged examination irregularities persist in various parts of the country.

For many students, preparing for NEET UG is challenging enough. For 23-year-old Vishal Tiwari from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, the journey involved much more than textbooks and mock tests. Married soon after completing school and becoming a father at 21, Vishal balanced family responsibilities, financial struggles, tuition work and four years of relentless preparation before finally clearing NEET UG 2026 with an impressive 605 marks.

His inspiring journey is a testament to resilience, family support and unwavering determination in the face of adversity.

Four years of perseverance

According to reports, Vishal, a resident of Mirzapur Pachpedwa Colony under the Gorakhnath police station area of Gorakhpur, completed his schooling at Saraswati Vidya Mandir and passed Class 12 with Biology in 2022.

His dream of becoming a doctor did not materialise immediately. For the first two years, he relied entirely on self-study because his family could not afford coaching classes. Despite repeated attempts, success remained elusive.

Recognising his determination, Vishal's parents borrowed money to enrol him in a coaching institute, giving him access to structured guidance that eventually helped him achieve his goal.

When the NEET UG 2026 results were declared, Vishal secured 605 out of 720 marks, ending a four-year journey marked by perseverance and sacrifice.

Balancing marriage, fatherhood and studies

Unlike many medical aspirants, Vishal's life took on additional responsibilities early. Shortly after completing school, he married Kalpana Pandey, a resident of Siddharthnagar district. Two years later, the couple welcomed their son, Virat.

Despite the demands of family life, Vishal remained focused on his medical ambitions.

He credited his wife for standing by him throughout his preparation, saying she took care of their young son and managed household responsibilities, allowing him to dedicate time to his studies without distraction.

Teaching by evening, studying till night

Financial constraints meant Vishal also had to contribute to the family's income.

Alongside attending coaching classes during the day, he conducted home tuition sessions in the evenings. After finishing his teaching responsibilities, he spent long hours studying in a library, often continuing his preparation until 11 p.m.

The modest income from tuition classes helped meet household expenses while enabling him to continue preparing for one of India's most competitive entrance examinations.

Parents' sacrifices made the dream possible

Vishal attributes much of his success to the unwavering support of his parents.

His father, Santosh Tiwari, earns a living as an auto-rickshaw driver, while his mother, Radhika Tiwari, stood beside him through every challenge. Despite limited financial resources, the family borrowed money to fund his coaching because they believed education could transform their future.

Vishal said becoming a doctor is his way of repaying his parents' sacrifices, especially his father's years of hard work behind the wheel of an auto-rickshaw.

His father expressed pride in his son's achievement, saying that despite financial difficulties, the family never wanted him to abandon his dream of pursuing medicine.

A dream inspired by family support

Interestingly, Vishal initially aspired to become an engineer because of his interest in mathematics. However, encouragement from his elder uncle motivated him to switch to Biology and pursue a career in medicine.

Today, qualifying NEET UG 2026 marks the beginning of that journey.

Looking ahead, Vishal has already set himself another heartfelt goal. He hopes that once he becomes a doctor, he will buy a car for his father, who spent years driving an auto-rickshaw to support the family's dreams.

His story serves as an inspiration to thousands of NEET aspirants across India, proving that financial hardship, family responsibilities and repeated setbacks need not stand in the way of success. With perseverance, discipline and the support of loved ones, even the most challenging dreams can become reality.