Rahul Gandhi Demands Accountability from NTA Over UGC-NET Exam Cancellation

New Delhi, India Aug 17, 2026 ALN: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday targeted the Modi government over the UGC-NET re-exam, demanding accountability from the National Testing Agency (NTA) for its recent decisions. The UGC-NET, or University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test, is a crucial examination for candidates aspiring to become eligible for assistant professor roles and for securing Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) in Indian universities.

In a post on X, he alleged that "this is no longer an education system. It is an extraction machine." This statement reflects a growing sentiment among many students and educators who feel that the current educational framework is failing to address the needs and aspirations of young people. Gandhi's critique of the NTA comes at a time when the agency is under scrutiny for its handling of various examinations, particularly following the cancellation of the UGC-NET exams.

Gandhi pointed out that UGC-NET exams for Sociology and Commerce were held between June 22 and 30, but nearly two months later, the NTA canceled all three exams due to faulty papers and repeated old questions. This decision has caused significant distress among students, many of whom had dedicated substantial time and resources to prepare for these exams. The cancellation not only disrupts their academic plans but also raises questions about the integrity and reliability of the examination process.

He emphasized that thousands of candidates, who had prepared for years, filled forms, paid fees, and traveled to distant centers, must now go through the process again in September. The implications of such cancellations extend beyond mere inconvenience; they can severely impact students’ mental health and academic trajectories. The pressure to perform well in competitive exams is immense, and repeated setbacks can lead to frustration and disillusionment.

"NTA makes the mistake but the student serves the sentence," he remarked, capturing the sentiment of many students who feel victimized by a system that seems to be failing them. This perception of unfairness is compounded by the financial burden of examination fees and travel expenses, which many students cannot afford to bear repeatedly.

Gandhi reiterated his stance, stating, "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," he said. This statement underscores a broader critique of the educational policies in India, where the emphasis on examination and certification often overshadows the actual learning and skill development that students need to thrive in the job market.

He questioned the NTA's transparency, asking, "NTA still won't answer the real question - were these papers leaked before the exam?" The issue of examination integrity has been a recurring theme in Indian education, with various instances of paper leaks and malpractices leading to calls for reform. Transparency in the examination process is essential not only for maintaining public trust but also for ensuring that candidates feel confident in the legitimacy of their efforts.

Gandhi criticized the NTA's lack of accountability, stating, "Just like every other arm of the Modi government, NTA never says it's their fault. Just like every other compromised paper, I am absolutely sure there will be no accountability." This sentiment reflects a broader frustration with governmental institutions perceived as unresponsive or lacking in accountability. The demand for accountability is particularly crucial in the context of education, where the stakes are high for students seeking to advance their careers.

He also mentioned that the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan was just the first step, asserting that "NTA's leadership must be held accountable too." Pradhan's resignation, which may have been a response to public pressure, highlights the political ramifications of the NTA's decisions and the potential for accountability measures to be implemented at higher levels.

Addressing students, he said, "To every student sitting this exam again in September - you are not the problem. PM Modi built a system that cannot run an exam and then blames the students who take it. Your years are being stolen and we will not stop until PM Modi answers for it." This statement resonates with many who feel that the current administration's policies have created an environment where students are unfairly penalized for systemic failures.

The NTA announced the retest for three papers of the UGC-NET June 2026 examination following complaints about several errors in these papers. The retest will be held on September 9 from 9 am to 12 noon for Sociology and from 3 pm to 6 pm for Commerce. The Sociology paper will be conducted on September 10 from 9 am to 12 noon. The scheduling of these retests reflects an attempt by the NTA to rectify its previous mistakes, but it remains to be seen whether this will be sufficient to restore confidence among students.

The NTA conducted the UGC-NET June 2026 examination from June 22 to 30 across 87 subjects for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), eligibility for assistant professor, and admission to PhD programs. The examination is a critical gateway for many students seeking to further their academic careers, and any mismanagement can have long-lasting effects on their professional trajectories.

The Congress party has been critical of the NTA ever since the NEET examination paper was leaked, leading to a re-exam. This pattern of criticism reflects a growing concern about the overall integrity of examination processes in India, where students are increasingly vocal about the challenges they face. As the political discourse around education intensifies, it is likely that calls for reform and greater accountability will continue to gain traction among students, educators, and policymakers alike.