Timeline of Events
A chronological record of the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy and the student-led Jantar Mantar protests. Sources cited for every entry.
Day 48 of the protest — Last updated: 23 July 2026. This timeline is compiled from verified news reports, ground coverage by independent journalists, and official statements. Sources are listed for each event.
Fast-Track Courts Announced; Ministers Visit Wangchuk
PM Modi's government announces establishment of fast-track courts for examination paper leak cases. Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh visit Sonam Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram and reportedly assure him government will positively consider his demands. Wangchuk has not yet ended his fast pending written confirmation. Protest at Jantar Mantar continues.
Sources (4)
- Times of India
- Business Standard
- Hindustan Times
- The Week
PM Modi Calls NEET Leak a 'Grave Sin'
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju conveys to Parliament that PM Narendra Modi has called the NEET paper leak a 'ghor paap' (grave sin) and has assured strict action against those responsible. Modi emphasizes the issue 'should not be a matter of partisan politics.' Fast-track courts are announced. Protest continues; students say no concrete demand has been met.
Sources (4)
- Kiren Rijiju press briefing
- Times Now
- Jagran Josh
- India Today
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Removed from PM Residence Sit-In
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stage a sit-in outside PM Modi's residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, demanding government accountability for the NEET crisis. They are removed by police. Education Minister Pradhan calls it a 'political spectacle'. Parliament faces multiple adjournments as opposition demands NEET debate.
Sources (4)
- India TV News
- Rahul Gandhi's X post
- Jagran Josh
- Hindustan Times
First Government Dialogue: CJP Meets JP Nadda for 10 Minutes
For the first time in 45 days of protest, government opens a dialogue channel. Student organization spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka meet Union Health Minister JP Nadda at his residence. The meeting lasts approximately 10 minutes. They submit a memorandum with three demands. Nadda says he will discuss internally but makes no commitments.
Sources (3)
- Media India Group
- Livdose
- CJP spokesperson statement post-meeting
Sansad Chalo March — Lathi Charge and Tear Gas
On the 45th day of protest and the first day of Parliament's Monsoon Session, thousands march from Jantar Mantar toward Parliament in the 'Sansad Chalo' procession. Delhi Police, citing Section 163 BNSS and refusal of march permission, use lathi charges and tear gas as protesters approach barricades near Shastri Bhawan and Raisina Road. Over 100 people are injured. Several metro stations are closed. Mobile internet is suspended in parts of Central Delhi. Delhi Police state 118 police personnel were also injured.
Sources (6)
- The South First ground report by Kaushik Raj & Srishti Jaiswal
- Newslaundry
- NDTV live
- Rediff.com
- Hindustan Times
- SCBA statement
Wangchuk Hospitalized; Delhi HC Orders Transfer to Medanta
Delhi Police remove a visibly weakened Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar and take him to Safdarjung Hospital. His wife Gitanjali Angmo files a plea in the Delhi High Court. The court orders his immediate transfer to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. Medanta confirms he is in the ICU but stable.
Sources (4)
- Delhi HC order
- Medanta Hospital bulletin
- The Week
- Wion News
NEET-UG Re-Exam Results Declared
The NTA declares results for the re-examination. Over 11.21 lakh candidates qualify. Counselling process begins. Some candidates allege discrepancies in OMR sheets. NTA rejects these claims, stating circulating images of OMR sheets are 'digitally altered or fabricated'. Protest at Jantar Mantar continues.
Sources (3)
- NTA result notification
- Careers360
- The Hindu
Court Remands Kulkarni to 10 Days CBI Custody
A Delhi court remands P.V. Kulkarni and co-accused Manisha Waghmare to 10 days of CBI custody for further interrogation. The CBI states it is attempting to map the full extent of the conspiracy and identify all individuals who benefited from the paper leak.
Sources (3)
- Lawbeat.in court report
- Hindustan Times
- CBI statement
Solidarity Protests Across India
Protests erupt in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Chennai, Lucknow and other cities. NALSAR University students observe a one-meal fast. JNTU Hyderabad holds a torchlight rally. The movement expands beyond NEET to encompass broader examination system accountability. Physics Wallah CEO Alakh Pandey visits the Jantar Mantar site and expresses solidarity.
Sources (3)
- NDTV
- NALSAR student body statement
- NSUI JNTU coverage
Sonam Wangchuk Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike
Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk begins an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in solidarity with students. He demands no punitive action against protesters, compensation for suicide victims' families, and a parliamentary debate on examination reform. He holds no party affiliation.
Sources (3)
- Wangchuk's video statement
- The Hindu
- India Today
NEET-UG Re-Examination Held
The re-examination is conducted for approximately 19,99,895 candidates. Over 2.7 lakh eligible students do not appear — the highest absentee rate for a re-examination in NTA history. Many cite distrust of the process; others face logistical barriers. The exam proceeds without fresh incident.
Sources (3)
- NTA official announcement
- The Hindu
- Times of India
First Major Student Protest at Jantar Mantar
Students, parents, and youth from across India hold the first organized protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, demanding accountability for the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, resignation of Education Minister Pradhan, and compensation for families of students who died by suicide. A 16-year-old aspirant holding a Class 12 Chemistry textbook becomes one of the defining images. Multiple student organizations participate — including SFI, AISA, AISF, and others.
Sources (3)
- Indian Express ground report
- The Hindu
- NDTV live coverage
CBI Arrests Alleged Kingpin P.V. Kulkarni
The Central Bureau of Investigation arrests P.V. Kulkarni, a Pune-based chemistry lecturer identified as the alleged mastermind of the paper leak. Kulkarni had access to question papers through his involvement in the NTA examination process and allegedly dictated questions to students at his residence. Co-accused Manisha Waghmare is also arrested.
Sources (3)
- CBI press statement via PIB
- Mumbai Mirror
- The Hindu
NEET-UG 2026 Officially Cancelled
The NTA officially cancels the May 3 examination. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announces a re-examination will be held and promises action against those responsible. Over 2.27 million students who appeared must prepare to sit the exam again.
Sources (3)
- NTA cancellation notice
- Dharmendra Pradhan statement
- All major national newspapers
NTA Refers Paper Leak Allegations to CBI
After mounting social media reports and media investigations, the National Testing Agency refers the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation for independent investigation. The NTA says it is committed to examination integrity. The referral is widely read as an implicit acknowledgment of irregularities.
Sources (3)
- NTA official statement
- PIB press release
- The Hindu reporting
NEET-UG 2026 Examination Conducted
NEET-UG 2026 is held for 2.27 million aspirants across India. The NTA states the exam was conducted with GPS-tracked paper transport, AI-assisted CCTV, and 5G jammers. Within hours, students on social media begin reporting that chemistry questions appeared identical to a pre-circulated 'guess paper'.
Sources (3)
- NTA official notification
- Student reports on r/JEENEETards
- r/indianmedschool Reddit threads
Key Demands of Protesters
- 1.Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak irregularities
- 2.Unconditional release of activist Sonam Wangchuk with no restriction on his movement
- 3.INR 1 crore compensation for families of all NEET aspirants who died by suicide following the paper leak
- 4.Systemic reform of examination processes to prevent future leaks and ensure transparency
- 5.Accountability for the police action on 20 July 2026 — withdrawal of all FIRs against protesters