Siddaramaiah Slams Centre Over NEET Row, Seeks Apology for Students

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly criticised the central government over the alleged irregularities in the NEET UG 2026 examination, including reports of a question paper leak. Speaking at a protest organised by the Indian Youth Congress at Freedom Park, he demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan take responsibility for the controversy and apologise to students across the country.

The Chief Minister said the Centre’s handling of the issue had disappointed students and parents. He questioned the decision to merely announce a re examination date without addressing the larger concerns surrounding the credibility and transparency of the system.

Siddaramaiah argued that the centralized examination model has repeatedly faced controversies over the years. He claimed several major examination leaks have occurred under the current system and said it has weakened public trust in the process.

Calling for reforms, he urged the government to bring back state managed entrance examinations such as the Common Entrance Test system previously followed in Karnataka. According to him, state level exams were conducted more effectively and offered equal opportunities to students from different backgrounds.

He also said the national level examination system places rural and economically weaker students at a disadvantage. Many families, he noted, cannot afford expensive coaching centres that have become closely linked with preparation for competitive national exams.

The Chief Minister further stated that education is part of the Concurrent List under the Constitution and should not be fully controlled by the central government alone. He also referred to earlier examination leak controversies under previous administrations, claiming the problem reflects a wider pattern of mismanagement.

Expressing concern over the emotional impact on students, Siddaramaiah mentioned reports of severe stress and tragic incidents involving students affected by the uncertainty surrounding the examination. He appealed to the Prime Minister to address the nation after returning from his foreign visit and urged the Centre to provide financial support to families impacted by the crisis.