Protests have broken out in Gujarat following allegations of a paper leak in the third-year Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) examination conducted by Jamnagar Ayurvedic University. Student organisations, including the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and the Youth Congress, have demanded a transparent investigation and strict action against those responsible, calling the incident another blow to the credibility of the state's examination system.

What is the controversy?

According to reports, the third-year BAMS examination was scheduled to be held on July 20. However, a day before the examination, 11 of the 12 questions allegedly began circulating on social media as "important questions." The similarity between the circulated questions and the final examination paper has triggered allegations of a paper leak, prompting widespread concern among students and educators.

The incident has once again raised questions about the security of university examinations, particularly those related to professional medical education, where academic integrity is considered critical.

Student organisations launch protests

Reacting strongly to the allegations, the NSUI and Youth Congress organised protests and accused the authorities of failing to curb repeated examination irregularities in Gujarat.

The student groups argued that incidents involving paper leaks and examination malpractice have become increasingly common, affecting recruitment examinations as well as university assessments. They alleged that repeated failures to prevent such incidents have weakened public confidence in the state's education system.

The organisations have demanded:

• A fair and transparent investigation into the alleged paper leak.
• Strict legal action against all individuals involved.
• Accountability from university and education authorities.
• Measures to prevent similar incidents in future examinations.

Both groups have also announced protest programmes on the university campus and appealed to students across Gujarat to join demonstrations against alleged corruption and irregularities in the education sector.

Concerns over medical education

The alleged leak has sparked particular concern because it involves a professional medical course. Experts have often warned that examination malpractice in healthcare education can have consequences beyond academics, as it raises questions about the quality of future healthcare professionals.

Student leaders said that repeated examination irregularities undermine merit-based education and disadvantage candidates who prepare honestly for competitive and professional examinations.

Growing scrutiny of examination systems

The Jamnagar incident comes amid growing national scrutiny of examination security following several high-profile paper leak controversies across entrance, recruitment and university examinations in recent years.

Student organisations argue that unless authorities strengthen examination security, improve digital safeguards and ensure swift action against offenders, confidence in public examinations will continue to erode.

As protests continue, students are awaiting an official response from Jamnagar Ayurvedic University and education authorities regarding the allegations and any investigation into the reported paper leak.

Choosing the right law college is one of the most important decisions for students aspiring to build a successful career in the legal profession. While thousands of candidates appear for law entrance examinations every year, securing admission to a reputed institution can significantly improve career prospects, internship opportunities, and placements.

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025, released by the Ministry of Education, has ranked India's leading law institutions based on parameters such as teaching quality, research, graduation outcomes, outreach, and perception. Here's a look at the top five law colleges in India and what makes them stand out.

1. National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru

National Law School of India University

NLSIU Bengaluru continues to hold the No. 1 position in the NIRF 2025 rankings, maintaining its reputation as India's premier law school.

The university is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, distinguished faculty, extensive legal research, and strong alumni network. Students receive excellent exposure through moot courts, internships, legal aid clinics, and international collaborations.

Graduates from NLSIU are highly sought after by top law firms, multinational corporations, consulting firms, judicial institutions, and public policy organisations.

2. National Law University (NLU), New Delhi

National Law University

Ranked second, NLU Delhi is recognised for its high academic standards and specialised legal education.

Located in the national capital, the university offers students valuable opportunities to intern with the Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, government ministries, law firms, think tanks, and regulatory bodies.

Its strong focus on constitutional law, criminal justice, public policy, and legal research makes it one of the country's most respected law institutions.

3. NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad

NALSAR University of Law

NALSAR University of Law has secured the third position in the NIRF 2025 rankings.

The university is widely recognised for its professional legal education, research-oriented curriculum, and excellent placement record. Students benefit from industry interaction, international collaborations, and specialised legal programmes in emerging areas such as aviation law, intellectual property, and technology law.

NALSAR graduates are recruited by leading corporate law firms, financial institutions, and government agencies.

4. The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata

The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences

WBNUJS Kolkata ranks fourth among India's best law colleges.

The university has consistently strengthened its academic reputation through quality teaching, legal research, and student achievements. It offers excellent opportunities in corporate law, litigation, public policy, and international law.

Students also benefit from an active moot court culture and strong placement support.

5. Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar

Gujarat National Law University

GNLU Gandhinagar completes the top five in the NIRF 2025 rankings.

The university is known for its interdisciplinary approach to legal education and offers specialised programmes in areas including maritime law, sports law, public policy, and business law.

Its growing reputation among recruiters has made it a preferred destination for students seeking careers in corporate legal practice and public service.

How to Get Admission to These Law Colleges

Admission to most of India's leading National Law Universities is primarily based on the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), a national-level entrance examination conducted annually.

The CLAT examination evaluates candidates in areas such as:

• English Language
• Current Affairs and General Knowledge
• Legal Reasoning
• Logical Reasoning
• Quantitative Techniques

Candidates who secure high ranks in CLAT can participate in the centralised counselling process for admission to participating National Law Universities.

However, NLU Delhi conducts its own entrance examination, the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET), and does not admit students through CLAT. Students interested in NLU Delhi must apply separately for AILET.

Career Opportunities After Graduating from a Top Law College

Graduating from one of India's leading law schools opens doors to diverse career opportunities across the legal and corporate sectors.

Popular career options include:

• Advocate
• Corporate Lawyer
• Legal Consultant
• Judicial Services
• Public Prosecutor
• Legal Advisor
• Policy Analyst
• Compliance Officer
• Intellectual Property Lawyer
• Cyber Law Specialist
• Legal Researcher
• Civil Services

Many graduates also pursue higher studies in India and abroad or join international organisations, consulting firms, and multinational corporations.

Why NIRF Rankings Matter

The NIRF rankings provide students with a reliable benchmark for comparing institutions based on academic excellence, research output, placements, faculty quality, graduation outcomes, and overall reputation.

While rankings are an important consideration, students should also evaluate factors such as course offerings, campus culture, internship opportunities, alumni network, location, and career goals before making their final choice.

For aspiring lawyers, securing admission to a top-ranked law school can provide not only a world-class legal education but also a strong foundation for a successful career in litigation, corporate law, judiciary, public policy, and emerging legal domains.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday, July 25, 2026, submitting his resignation letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid weeks of protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demanding accountability over the NEET paper leak controversy.

The move comes hours before a scheduled third round of talks between the Centre and CJP representatives, after two earlier rounds of negotiations failed to produce a breakthrough on the group's central demand: Pradhan's removal.

In a two-page letter addressed to the country's youth and shared on social media, Pradhan said he did not want any student's future entangled in legal complications, and wanted young people to be able to focus on their studies and career building.

Why Dharmendra Pradhan Resigned

Pradhan said the events of the past ten days had deeply troubled him, and that his decision was a matter of conscience rather than personal image. He pointed to the rising unrest around the issue, including the continuing protests at Jantar Mantar, and said he was disturbed that people in positions of responsibility had misled students during the crisis, and that the situation was being politicised.

The NEET-UG 2026 Controversy, Explained

The crisis traces back to irregularities detected in the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026. Once the issues surfaced, the government:

• Cancelled the original examination
• Ordered a CBI investigation into the irregularities
• Conducted a re-examination on June 21, 2026
• Declared fresh results on July 16, 2026

Pradhan said he had taken ownership of the crisis from day one, working to ensure the re-examination of over 20 lakh students went ahead without disruption. He said the fresh results were a source of satisfaction, noting that many candidates from economically weaker backgrounds succeeded. The government has also announced plans to move NEET to a computer-based test format from next year, aimed at improving transparency.

Four Decades in Education

Pradhan, who has been associated with education and student causes for more than 40 years, said a strong and inclusive education system is the foundation of a strong nation. He thanked PM Modi for the opportunity to serve and expressed gratitude to his Cabinet colleagues and ministry officials.

He said serving the nation would remain his highest priority going forward, and pledged to continue working for India's youth and for the people of Odisha.

What Happens Next

Pradhan's resignation arrives just ahead of today's scheduled talks between the Centre and CJP, and is likely to shape how those negotiations unfold. Speculation is already building over who will take charge of the Education Ministry, which has been at the centre of one of the most turbulent academic years in recent memory for India's medical aspirants. Opposition parties and student groups, who have spent weeks demanding Pradhan's exit, are likely to view the resignation as a significant, if partial, vindication of their protests, even as questions remain over accountability for the original exam irregularities.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.

Climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk has said he is prepared to end his indefinite hunger strike if the Central Government gives an "unequivocal assurance" that no punitive or retaliatory action will be taken against students who participated in the NEET-UG paper leak protests. In a letter addressed to Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk also reiterated demands for accountability, compensation for affected families, and parliamentary discussion on the controversy.

Wangchuk thanked the two Union ministers for visiting him in hospital and said they had assured him that the government would positively consider several issues raised during their discussions.

Seeks protection for student protesters

The activist said his foremost condition for ending the fast is a clear commitment that students involved in the protests will not face legal cases or retaliatory action.

In his letter, Wangchuk stated that the young protesters had participated peacefully to demand a fair and accountable education system and should not be penalised for exercising their democratic rights.

Referring to the 'Chalo Sansad' march held on July 20, he described the demonstration as peaceful and expressed concern over what he termed disproportionate police action during the protest. He appealed to the government to ensure that students are not subjected to harassment or legal proceedings for their participation.

Calls for accountability and compensation

Wangchuk also reiterated his demand for adequate compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.

He further called for a meaningful discussion in Parliament on the issue to ensure accountability, including consideration of the resignation of the Union Education Minister as part of the broader debate.

Cross-party support

According to Wangchuk, nearly 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties contacted him after the ministers' visit and appealed to him to end his fast.

While expressing his desire to return to his work in education and with students, he said he could not end the hunger strike without securing assurances for those who had participated in the movement.

Democracy and students' rights

Concluding his letter, Wangchuk argued that the manner in which young citizens are treated during peaceful protests reflects the strength of democratic institutions.

He maintained that he would immediately end his fast if the government provides the requested assurance regarding the safety of student protesters. Otherwise, he said, he would continue the hunger strike until his demands are addressed.

The letter comes amid continuing political debate over the NEET-UG paper leak and the handling of student protests, with calls from multiple quarters for greater transparency, accountability, and protection of students' democratic rights.

Renowned environmentalist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike, marking a significant development in the ongoing Ladakh protest over constitutional safeguards for the Union Territory. Wangchuk, who had been fasting since June 28, called off his indefinite fast after what he described as "long negotiations" with the Central government and concerns over the possibility of violence if the agitation continued.

The Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike, which drew nationwide attention over the past month, concluded at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram in the presence of Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, and senior representatives of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh. Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, was also present during the ceremony.

Visuals from the hospital showed Jitendra Singh helping Wangchuk sit up before JP Nadda offered him the first sip of liquid to formally end the fast. The images quickly circulated on social media, drawing reactions from supporters and political leaders alike.

Sonam Wangchuk says decision followed negotiations

In a statement issued shortly after midnight, Wangchuk said the decision to end the 26-day hunger strike was taken after extensive discussions with the government.

"After long negotiations on various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country, I have decided to end my fast," Wangchuk said.

He also announced that he would soon release a detailed video explaining the terms of the discussions and the circumstances under which he agreed to conclude the hunger strike.

The activist did not disclose specific details of the negotiations but assured supporters that all aspects of the agreement would be shared publicly in the coming days.

Ladakh protest focused on constitutional safeguards

The Ladakh protest has become one of the country's most closely watched citizen movements, with demonstrators demanding constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, stronger environmental protection, greater local representation, and measures to preserve the region's unique cultural identity.

Since Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019, several civil society organisations, including the Apex Body of Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, have been campaigning for stronger legal protections relating to land, employment, ecology, and governance.

Wangchuk's hunger strike emerged as the central symbol of this movement, attracting support from environmentalists, students, social activists, and citizens across India.

What happens next?

Although the Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike has ended, the broader Ladakh movement is expected to continue through dialogue with the Centre. Wangchuk's upcoming statement is likely to provide clarity on the outcome of the negotiations and outline the roadmap for future discussions.

Observers believe the end of the fast opens a new phase in the Ladakh constitutional safeguards campaign, shifting the focus from street protests to sustained engagement with the government. Supporters are now awaiting Wangchuk's detailed explanation to understand how the Centre plans to address the long-standing demands for constitutional protection, environmental conservation, and greater democratic empowerment in Ladakh.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Thursday demanded nationwide peaceful protests on Friday, July 24, asking student unions and organisations all over the country to organise coordinated protests in support of those it says were affected during the recent protests at Delhi Jantar Mantar.

The youth-led organisation, in a post on X, announced a campaign called “Every District. One Day. One Demand.” and urged its supporters to hold district-level events across India.

The demonstrations are meant to show solidarity with the people who the CJP said were victims of police brutality in the ongoing agitation, the post said. The party urged student unions and other groups to liaise with each other to secure the requisite permissions and make the necessary arrangements for the protests.

It also directed the organisers to read out the demands of the students before the people who were present in the gatherings. The CJP said a standard operating procedure (SOP), protest materials and a memorandum template had been made available on its website to assist organisers. The protest call comes as the Centre continues to seek a dialogue with the youth-led organisation.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh said,"The government has sent four formal proposals for discussions with their representatives since yesterday afternoon. This is a standing invitation to all our youth friends that the government is ready for discussion on all issues at their convenience at any time".

He said the talks could be held at the office or residence of Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, who was also ready to participate in the discussions and work towards a solution through dialogue.

As per reports, Nadda also met with CJP leaders on Thursday. But CJP rejected the offer saying that the talks should be held at a neutral ground, preferably at Jantar Mantar.

CJP was not ready to hold talks at a minister's residence or office, CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said. "We refused to go to anyone's house or office. The people's court is here. Ministers should come among the people. If they want to talk, it should be held at Jantar Mantar," Das said. If security issues did not allow a meeting at Jantar Mantar, the organisation was ready to hold discussions at another neutral location close to the protest site, he added.

The latest developments follow days after CJP representatives met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on July 20 and presented their demands, which include the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

CJP has maintained that Pradhan's resignation remains a non-negotiable demand and has said its agitation will continue until its demands are addressed.