Kumar Bahukhandi
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi addresses a press conference in New Delhi, alleging repeated examination paper leaks and calling for accountability, transparency and comprehensive reforms to restore confidence in India’s education system-Photo Credit-channel24india.com
In Short
- Rahul Gandhi alleges 152 examination paper leaks over the past decade.
- Claims repeated leaks have damaged students’ trust in the education system.
- Says families are facing increasing financial and psychological pressure.
- Links examination irregularities with the broader employment crisis.
- Demands removal of the Union Education Minister.
- Calls for accountability over action against protesting students.
- Urges the government to publicly acknowledge students’ hardships.
- Says restoring credibility requires transparent examinations and strict accountability.
Congress leader questions government’s accountability, says students are paying the price for administrative failures
New Delhi, July 22: Raising serious concerns over the state of India’s education system, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused the Central Government of failing to protect the interests of students, alleging that repeated examination paper leaks have eroded confidence in competitive examinations and placed millions of young aspirants under severe emotional and financial pressure.
Addressing a press conference at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday July 22, 2026 , Rahul Gandhi began by referring to visuals of police action against protesting students, arguing that those demanding fairness in examinations were being treated as lawbreakers instead of being heard. He maintained that students across the country are asking for transparency and accountability rather than confrontation.
The Congress leader claimed that examination paper leaks have become a recurring feature of the education system. Referring to figures cited by his party, he alleged that 152 examination papers had been leaked during the past decade, yet no meaningful accountability has followed. According to him, every such incident forces lakhs of candidates to restart months of preparation, increasing anxiety and uncertainty about their future.
Rahul Gandhi argued that the issue extends beyond cancelled examinations. He said repeated disruptions have weakened public trust in institutions and placed an enormous burden on families who invest heavily in their children’s education. For middle-class and economically weaker households, he said, every cancelled examination represents lost savings, lost time and shattered expectations.
Linking the education crisis with employment, Rahul Gandhi said young people are entering an increasingly uncertain job market despite years of academic preparation. He maintained that shrinking employment opportunities, combined with repeated examination controversies, have deepened frustration among the country’s youth.
Calling for corrective action, the Congress leader placed three demands before the government. He sought the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging administrative failure in preventing repeated paper leaks. He also demanded accountability for the action taken against protesting students, stating that responsibility should extend to every level where decisions were made. Finally, he urged the government to acknowledge the hardships faced by students and issue a public apology.
Rahul Gandhi asserted that rebuilding faith in the education system requires more than assurances. According to him, transparent examinations, swift action against those responsible for irregularities and greater institutional accountability are essential if students are to regain confidence in the country’s competitive examination process.
