‘Have faith’: Maharashtra minister appeals to NEET aspirants amid paper leak row

Amid growing anxiety and frustration among NEET-UG aspirants following the controversy surrounding the examination, Dadaji Bhuse urged students to remain patient and trust the ongoing investigation into the alleged paper leak case.

Speaking in Mumbai on May 25, the Maharashtra School Education Minister described the incident as “most unfortunate” and assured students that the Central Government was treating the matter with utmost seriousness.

“While it is undeniably the most unfortunate incident, the Central Government has intervened with the utmost seriousness. As we are aware, an inquiry into the matter is currently being conducted by the CBI,” Bhuse said.

He added that several individuals linked to the alleged irregularities had already been arrested and that the probe agency was carrying out a detailed investigation into the issue.

“Several individuals have already been incarcerated, and the CBI is conducting a thorough, in-depth investigation into the matter,” the minister stated.

Addressing lakhs of students preparing for medical admissions across the country, Bhuse made an emotional appeal asking aspirants not to lose hope amid uncertainty surrounding the examination process.

“I would like to make a humble appeal to all students: have faith that the arduous effort you have invested in your studies will ultimately receive the justice it deserves,” he said.

The remarks come at a time when concerns over transparency and fairness in national-level competitive examinations continue to dominate public discourse. The alleged NEET-UG paper leak controversy has sparked protests and demands for accountability from students, parents, and education activists across several states.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been probing the matter after allegations surfaced regarding irregularities in the conduct of the examination. Authorities have maintained that action is being taken against those involved while efforts continue to safeguard the integrity of the examination system.

NEET-UG remains one of India’s largest entrance examinations, serving as the gateway for admission to undergraduate medical courses across government and private institutions.