Former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has called for a complete overhaul of the NEET system, citing repeated question paper leaks, examination irregularities, and growing uncertainty among aspirants. He backed protesting students and urged the Prime Minister to address the issue in Parliament.
Former Tripura Chief Minister and veteran CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar has called for a complete overhaul of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) system, alleging that repeated question paper leaks and examination irregularities have exposed serious flaws in the country’s medical entrance examination framework.
Sarkar made the remarks after meeting a group of protesting students at the Circuit House in Agartala. The students had assembled to express solidarity with the ongoing demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where aspirants and youth organisations have been raising concerns over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, particularly NEET.
Speaking to the students, Sarkar criticised the present structure of the NEET examination, claiming that the system was introduced with the objective of centralising medical education while reducing the authority of state governments in the admission process. According to him, instead of ensuring transparency and uniformity, the examination has witnessed repeated controversies that have undermined public confidence.
The veteran leader pointed to recurring incidents of question paper leaks, repeated examinations, and administrative lapses, stating that these developments have created uncertainty for nearly 27 lakh to 28 lakh candidates appearing for the examination every year. He said the future of lakhs of students should not be subjected to repeated disruptions caused by systemic failures.
Sarkar argued that the repeated controversies surrounding the examination indicate the need for comprehensive reforms rather than temporary corrective measures. He maintained that a complete restructuring of the NEET framework is essential to restore credibility and ensure fairness in the medical admission process across the country.
Describing the student gathering in Agartala as an important democratic initiative, Sarkar said the movement had been initiated by young people from different social and political backgrounds. He expressed confidence that the campaign would gradually expand across Tripura as more citizens become aware of the concerns being raised by students regarding examination transparency and accountability.
The former Chief Minister also referred to the ongoing Parliament session, questioning the Prime Minister’s public remarks outside Parliament on the issue. He asserted that the Prime Minister should address the concerns directly on the floor of Parliament, arguing that the explanations given so far have not satisfied the protesting students.
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The NEET examination has remained at the centre of nationwide debate following allegations of question paper leaks and other irregularities. Students and several political leaders have continued to demand greater transparency, stronger safeguards, and reforms to ensure the integrity of competitive examinations. Sarkar reiterated that safeguarding the future of millions of aspirants requires decisive action and comprehensive changes to the existing examination system.
