Jammu: Public anger over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 irregularities spilled onto the streets of Jammu on Thursday as students, advocates, and political groups staged separate protests across the city, demanding accountability, transparency, and immediate corrective action from the authorities.
From the Exhibition Ground to GGM Science College and the District Court Complex, demonstrators voiced concerns over the alleged NEET paper leak, claims of dual scorecards issued to a Reasistudent, and uncertainties surrounding postgraduate admissions under the National Education Policy (NEP), reflecting growing discontent among the youth and civil society.
At the Exhibition Ground near Press Club, social activist Kartik Bhagat led a protest against the alleged NEET paper leak, accusing the government of failing to safeguard the integrity of the country’s premier medical entrance examination. Protesters raised slogans demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and sought a fair investigation into the controversy.
Addressing the gathering, Bhagat alleged that repeated examination-related controversies had eroded public confidence in the system and asserted that accountability must be fixed. He also demanded financial assistance for families allegedly affected by examination-related tragedies and highlighted the unresolved grievances of Jammu’s sportspersons, including medal-winning athletes awaiting government employment.
Simultaneously, at GGM Science College, nearly two dozen postgraduate aspirants held a demonstration over the one-year PG admission issue. Led by Raman Khajuria, students alleged that Cluster University had initially invited applications for several courses but later informed applicants that programmes in Geography, Education, and Food Science & Technology would not be offered.
With admissions at the University of Jammu already closed, students claimed they had been left in academic limbo and warned of intensifying their agitation if immediate remedial measures were not taken.
Adding to the chorus of dissent, advocates at the District Court Complex, Janipur, held a peaceful protest condemning the alleged lathi-charge on students, women, and other demonstrators during protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The lawyers expressed solidarity with agitating students and emphasized the need to uphold democratic values and the right to peaceful protest.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir unit of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) escalated the controversy by demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged issuance of two different NEET-UG 2026 scorecards to a student from Reasi.
Addressing a press conference at Indira Chowk, State President Manish Sahni questioned the credibility of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and termed the allegations “deeply disturbing.” He called for a transparent and impartial inquiry to restore public faith in the examination system.
Thursday’s developments marked a convergence of student concerns, legal activism, and political intervention, underscoring the widening ramifications of education-related controversies in Jammu and Kashmir. As demands for accountability continue to mount, the spotlight is now firmly on the Centre and the concerned authorities to address the grievances and reassure thousands of anxious students across the country.
All protests concluded peacefully, with law enforcement maintaining a close watch on the situation throughout the day.
