"Modi ji, look at what your NTA has just done": Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Government Over UGC-NET Re-Exam

New Delhi, India Aug 17, 2026 ALN: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has recently come under fire for its controversial decision to re-conduct the UGC-NET examinations for the subjects of Commerce and Sociology. This decision has sparked a wave of criticism from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has directed his frustration towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, "Modi ji, look at what your NTA has just done." This statement underscores the growing discontent regarding the management of educational assessments in India, especially as they pertain to the future of thousands of students.

Rahul Gandhi's criticism stems from allegations that the NTA set faulty examination papers and included repeated questions from previous tests. This revelation has caused significant distress among candidates, many of whom had invested considerable time and resources in preparing for the exams, which were originally held between June 22 and June 30. Now, nearly two months later, these candidates have been informed that they must retake the examinations in September due to the errors identified by the NTA.

In a post on X, Gandhi expressed his concern, stating, "UGC-NET exams for Sociology and Commerce were held between June 22 and 30. Nearly two months later, NTA has canceled all three because it set faulty papers and repeated old questions." This situation highlights not only the logistical challenges faced by the agency but also raises questions about the integrity and reliability of the examination process.

Gandhi's remarks reflect a broader frustration with the educational system in India. He emphasized that the burden of these mistakes falls squarely on the shoulders of the students, many of whom have prepared for years. "Thousands of candidates who prepared for years, filled forms, paid the fees, and traveled to distant centers must now do it all again in September. NTA makes the mistake but the student serves the sentence," he lamented. This sentiment resonates with many students who feel that their efforts and sacrifices are being undermined by systemic failures.

Furthermore, Gandhi characterized the examination system as an "extraction machine," claiming that it drains students of their financial resources, time, mental health, and confidence without providing meaningful outcomes. He stated, "I said this in Kota, in Dehradun, in Prayagraj, and I will keep saying it - this is no longer an education system. It is an extraction machine. It takes your money, your years, your mental health, and your confidence and returns nothing. Not even a job." This perspective reflects a growing disillusionment among students regarding the value of their education in a competitive job market.

In his critique, Gandhi also questioned the accountability of the NTA, emphasizing that the agency has not adequately addressed whether the examination papers were leaked prior to the exams. He stated, "NTA still won't answer the real question - were these papers leaked before the exam? Just like every other arm of the Modi government, NTA never admits fault. I am absolutely sure there will be no accountability." This lack of transparency and accountability is a significant concern for many stakeholders in the education sector, as it undermines trust in the examination process.

In light of these issues, Gandhi has called for accountability from the NTA leadership, asserting that the resignation of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was only the first step in addressing the systemic problems. He insisted that the leadership of the NTA must also be held accountable for the mismanagement of the examinations. "To every student sitting this exam again in September - you are not the problem," he stated, emphasizing the need for a collective response to the failures of the system.

Gandhi further accused PM Modi of fostering a system that not only fails to conduct exams properly but also places the blame on the students. He expressed concern for the future of young people, stating, "Your years are being stolen, and we will not stop until PM Modi answers for it." This statement reflects a growing movement among students and political leaders alike, advocating for a reform of the educational assessment system in India.

The re-examination announcement has raised significant concerns among students and educators alike. Following the NTA's acknowledgment of errors in the question papers for Commerce and Sociology, a committee was formed to investigate these issues. The agency has decided to reschedule the examinations for September 9 and 10, respectively. Importantly, the NTA has assured candidates that they will not incur any additional fees for retaking the exams, which is a small relief amid the broader turmoil.

Moreover, Gandhi has questioned the delay in results for thousands of candidates who had taken exams in 84 other subjects, demanding clarity from the government. "For the young people who took the exam in June, every day matters. Will the Prime Minister, who scolds the country's youth from the ramparts of the Red Fort, say anything about his own responsibility? The youth of the country demands answers," he stated. This call for transparency highlights the urgency of addressing the concerns of students who are navigating an already challenging educational landscape.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the NTA's handling of the UGC-NET examinations has sparked a significant debate about the accountability and effectiveness of India's educational assessment systems. As students prepare to retake their exams, the implications of these events extend beyond individual frustrations; they reflect a larger crisis within the educational framework that demands immediate attention and reform. The ongoing dialogue between political leaders, educational authorities, and students will be crucial in shaping the future of examinations and educational integrity in India.