Digvijaya Singh writes to PM Modi seeking white paper on NTA exam irregularities

NEW DELHI: Congress Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the publication of a white paper detailing paper leaks, examination irregularities and the status of investigations linked to National Testing Agency (NTA) examinations conducted over the past eight years.

The letter comes amid continuing concerns surrounding the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 and ongoing discussions over transparency and accountability in the conduct of national-level entrance examinations. Singh currently serves as Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports.

Concerns over investigations and public information
In his letter, Singh stated that several students had approached him in recent weeks expressing concerns about the handling of examination-related irregularities and the lack of publicly available information regarding investigations.

Referring to the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, Singh said lakhs of students were facing uncertainty and stress. He noted that the absence of consolidated information regarding paper leak cases and their investigation had created space for speculation and rumours.

The Congress leader cited reports relating to the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case in Hazaribagh and also referred to developments connected with the UGC-NET 2024 examination, which had been cancelled by the NTA. He noted that the Central Bureau of Investigation had reportedly filed a closure report in the UGC-NET matter and subsequently sought additional time from a Delhi court to explain its findings.

What Singh has asked the government to disclose
In the letter, Singh proposed that the Centre publish a comprehensive white paper covering all major examination irregularities linked to NTA-conducted tests during the last eight years.

The proposed document, according to Singh, should include details of paper leaks and other irregularities, action taken by the NTA and investigative agencies, names of persons arrested in connection with each case, and the current status of investigations.

He also sought information on whether cases remain under investigation, whether charge sheets or closure reports have been filed, the reasons behind closure reports where applicable, and the present legal status of accused persons, including whether they are on bail, facing trial or have been convicted.

Demand comes amid wider scrutiny
The demand comes at a time when examination processes have remained under public scrutiny following controversies involving NEET-UG, digital examination systems and questions relating to the security of educational technology platforms.

In his letter, Singh said greater transparency would help strengthen confidence among students and provide clarity on the status of investigations connected with examination-related irregularities.

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