Rahul Gandhi Attacks PM Modi and NTA over UGC-NET Retests

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the National Testing Agency (NTA) following the cancellation and re-examination order for three UGC-NET subjects. Criticizing the administrative failures of the testing body, Gandhi asserted that students are being forced to suffer for mistakes made by the agency.

Key Highlights of the Controversy

• UGC-NET Paper Cancellations: The NTA ordered fresh re-examinations for English, Commerce, and Sociology after a review committee identified severe factual, typographical, translation errors, and extensive question repetitions.

• Impact on Candidates: The affected exams were initially conducted between June 22 and June 30. Nearly two months later, thousands of candidates are now required to retake the tests in September.

• Questioning Paper Integrity: Raising doubts over systemic leaks, Rahul Gandhi questioned whether the compromised papers were leaked prior to the examination and alleged a complete lack of administrative accountability.

• Demand for NTA Leadership Accountability: Highlighting the earlier resignation of the Union Education Minister following NEET paper leak protests, Gandhi emphasized that ministerial resignations were only a first step and demanded direct accountability from the NTA’s core leadership.

Re-Examination Schedule & NTA Clarifications

Political & Systemic Critique

Rahul Gandhi characterized the national examination system as an “extraction machine” that drains candidates’ time, financial resources, and mental health without offering security or employment in return. Addressing the affected aspirants directly, he reassured candidates that they were not at fault for the structural failures of the testing mechanism.