NEET UG 2025: Paper Leak Rumors, Student Protests & Government Response

By Eshorjit : Infinitrix News Team | May 6, 2025

New Delhi, India — The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) Undergraduate 2025, conducted on May 4, has been marred by controversies including alleged paper leaks, biometric verification failures, and student protests over religious sensitivities. The National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Ministry of Education have responded to these issues, aiming to maintain the integrity of the examination process.

Alleged Paper Leak and Government Response

Rumors of a NEET UG 2025 paper leak circulated on social media platforms, with claims that the question paper was available before the exam. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) fact-checked these claims and declared them as fake, urging students not to fall prey to misinformation. The NTA also flagged several Telegram and Instagram channels allegedly claiming access to the question paper, referring details to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

“We have identified and taken action against over 165 Telegram channels and 32 Instagram accounts spreading misinformation about the exam,” said an NTA official.

Biometric Verification Failures and Technical Glitches

Several candidates reported issues with biometric verification during the examination process. Complaints from Government Senior Secondary Girls College in North Delhi’s Jahangirpuri centre surfaced on the day of the exam, including fingerprint mismatches and system errors, leading to delays and confusion at exam centers.

“My fingerprint didn't match, and I had to wait for over an hour before being allowed to enter the exam hall,” said a candidate from Delhi.

Religious Sensitivities and Student Protests

In Karnataka's Kalaburagi, members of the Brahmin community held a protest outside a NEET exam centre after some students were allegedly asked to remove their sacred thread (Janeu) before being allowed to take the test. The protesters accused the authorities of disrespecting religious sentiments and failing to implement the government’s own guidelines.

“Our religious sentiments were hurt when students were forced to remove their sacred threads. We demand strict action against the officials responsible,” said a protester.

Heightened Security Measures

In the backdrop of the NEET UG 2024 paper leak scandal, the NTA implemented stringent security measures for the 2025 examination. Candidates reported multiple rounds of security checks, including biometric verification, frisking, and document verification.

“They scanned my ID, pen — even my socks,” said an aspirant from Delhi.

Exam Analysis and Candidate Reactions

According to students and experts, the Physics paper was the toughest among the three sections. Some questions were reportedly at the JEE Advanced level, leaving many aspirants stumped. Experts believe very few, if any, will manage a perfect 720 score this year due to the difficulty spike in this section.

“The Physics section was unexpectedly tough, and I couldn't complete all the questions in time,” said a candidate from Mumbai.

Government's Stance on Online Examination

Despite the controversies, the government has decided to continue with the pen-and-paper mode for NEET UG examinations. The decision was driven by concerns over infrastructure gaps and the digital divide, which could disadvantage students from rural areas.

“Switching to an online mode for an exam of this scale would be a logistical nightmare,” said an official from the Ministry of Education.

Conclusion

The NEET UG 2025 examination has highlighted several challenges in conducting large-scale entrance exams in India. While the government and NTA have taken steps to address issues like paper leaks and security, incidents like biometric failures and religious sensitivities indicate the need for more comprehensive reforms. As the results are awaited, stakeholders hope for a fair and transparent evaluation process.