New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday attacked the Centre over repeated examination paper leaks, alleging that question
papers were sold at fixed prices.
Addressing the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ rally in Dehradun, the Congress MP used several graphics to support his allegations. He claimed that paper leaks had become part of the examination system and honest students suffered because of them.
Papers sold at fixed rates
Gandhi displayed a graphic titled “Paper Ka Rate”, which listed the alleged prices of leaked examination papers.
The chart claimed that the NEET UG 2026 paper cost Rs 40 lakh. It listed Rs 15 lakh each for IIT-JEE 2021 and Uttarakhand Patwari 2025, Rs 10 lakh for Bihar Teacher Recruitment 2024 and Rs 25 lakh for the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector 2025 examination.
“High technology being used for paper leaks; if you have crores, you can select from a menu card of paper leaks,” Gandhi said.
He alleged that students faced four major injustices, including high education costs, limited career opportunities, intense competition and paper leaks.
“State of India’s education system is such that paper leaks have become norm,” Gandhi said.
System captured by few
Gandhi also presented a graphic titled “Paper Leak Epidemic”. It claimed that 152 paper leak cases had affected 7.5 crore students but resulted in no convictions.
Another illustration titled “System Par Kabza” showed various parts of the examination process. It included the ministry, National Testing Agency, vendors, paper setters, translators, printers, transporters, coaching centres and examination centres.
“1% uses system, follows path of paper leak and hurts 99% others who are honest, poor,” he added.
Reforms and compensation sought
Gandhi demanded financial compensation and protection for candidates affected by leaks. He also called for authorities to conduct fresh examinations without delay.
“Students should be given protection; those suffering due to paper leaks must be compensated, immediate re-exam be held,” he said.
He proposed secure question banks and randomised question papers as part of a student-focused system.
“Today’s exam system govt-centric; we want student-centric system, secured question banks, randomised question papers,” Gandhi said.
“Current exam testing system is of 19th century, we must evolve a 21st century system,” he added.
Gandhi called for cooperation among political parties to end paper leaks. “There can be political consensus on ending paper leaks which everyone must implement,” he said.
