Alakh Pandey joins Jantar Mantar protest, urges government to hold talks with students

 

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.