It was supposed to be a fresh start for thousands of aspiring doctors. Instead, the rescheduled National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in India unfolded under a shroud of security worthy of a nuclear facility. The reason: a paper leak so massive it forced the government's hand.
Sources confirm that the original exam, held earlier this month, was compromised on an industrial scale. Uncovered documents reveal a sophisticated network of brokers, encrypted messages, and cash payments that allegedly gave hundreds of candidates access to the question paper in advance. The leak, authorities now admit, affected at least half a dozen states.
The response was swift. The exam was cancelled. A retest was ordered.
And this morning, as gates opened at 4,000 centres across the country, the security apparatus was on full display. Candidates were frisked, metal detectors waved, and biometric verification matched to admit cards. Mobile phones were banned.
Even smartwatches were confiscated. One invigilator told me: 'We have been told to treat every candidate as a potential cheat.' The irony is not lost on the students queuing outside.
Many have travelled hundreds of kilometres, spent their family's savings on coaching, and now face a second shot at a dream that the leak nearly shattered. 'We are scared,' said one, 'but we have no choice.' The question remains: who orchestrated the leak?
And why is there no accountability? The government has promised a high-level investigation. But the trail of money, the encrypted messages, and the compromised officials have a way of disappearing.
The clock is ticking. For now, the exam goes ahead. But the trust is gone.