Students, parents join protest in Hyderabad over NEET paper leak, seek transparent probe

Hyderabad: Hundreds of students, youth activists, and parents took part in a torch rally at Tank Bund in Hyderabad on Saturday evening, protesting against the alleged NEET paper leak and demanding justice for students.

The rally, organised by the Telangana unit of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), proceeded from the Indira Gandhi Statue to the Rajiv Gandhi Statue. More than 200 people initially joined the protest, with the crowd swelling to nearly 700 as the march progressed.

Students from the University of Hyderabad, English and Foreign Languages University, Nizam College, Osmania University, and several colleges affiliated with Osmania University participated in the rally along with Congress supporters and youth leaders.

Raising slogans against the alleged leak, protesters said the controversy had severely affected students who spent years preparing for the medical entrance examination. Many carried torches and placards demanding a fair investigation and accountability from the authorities.

Speaking at the rally, Telangana NSUI president Yadavalli Venkataswamy assured students of the organisation’s continued support. “Don’t be afraid. We are standing behind you and we will always work for you,” he said.

NSUI state general secretary Rachana Reddy, who had also participated in earlier protests over alleged exam leaks, said repeated controversies were taking a mental toll on students, especially those attempting NEET for the third or fourth time.

“It becomes very traumatising for students. What if the paper leaks happen again?” she said.

All India NSUI president Vinod Jakhar also joined the rally and said NEET was a crucial examination that shapes the future of aspiring doctors. He stressed the need for a fair and transparent system.

Samuel, NSUI general secretary at the University of Hyderabad, alleged that NEET question papers were being sold for ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh, making it easier for wealthy students to secure seats.

“What about poor and marginalised students who study day and night dreaming of an MBBS seat?” he asked.

Kalva Sujatha Gupta, chairman of the Telangana Arya Vyshya Corporation; Pabbati Vijaya Reddy, former GHMC corporator of Khairatabad division; and Rajya Sabha MP Anil Kumar Yadav were also present at the rally and extended support to the protesting students.

The protesters demanded a transparent probe into the alleged paper leak, strict action against those responsible, and accountability from the National Testing Agency.