NAGPUR: For students preparing for the NEET examination, the test is far more than an academic assessment. It represents years of hard work, sacrifice and the dream of becoming a doctor. However, incidents of paper leaks and irregularities in examination systems are increasingly raising questions about whether hard work, merit and honesty are truly being rewarded.
The issue took centre stage during a special ‘Samvaad’ discussion organised by Nagpur Today, where experts and students examined the impact of NEET paper leaks, growing examination-related irregularities, intense academic competition, parental expectations and the resulting pressure on students.
The discussion featured community medicine professor and Deputy Director of Research and Development Dr Saurabh Shrivastava, psychiatrist and founder of Inspiring Minds Dr Sakshi Diwanka, Vikalp Education director Rishi Chaurasia, medical trainee Anushka Nag, and students Chaitanya Kavya Dhruv and Raj Sahu.
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Sept 29,2026 - Time 10.30Hrs
Paper leaks undermine students’ faith in merit
Dr Saurabh Shrivastava highlighted the issue of trust in the examination system. Students preparing for NEET often spend several years working towards a single examination. When incidents such as paper leaks emerge, they can undermine confidence in a system that is expected to reward merit and hard work.
He stressed the need for greater use of technology, stronger cybersecurity and stringent monitoring at every stage of the examination process to prevent manipulation and protect the integrity of competitive examinations.
Paper leaks can have a direct psychological impact
Dr Sakshi Diwanka focused on the mental health consequences for students.
A student may spend years preparing for an examination, only to hear allegations of malpractice after the process is completed. Such developments can create a strong sense of injustice, disappointment and uncertainty, potentially increasing anxiety and emotional stress.
She emphasised that students should not isolate themselves during such periods and should communicate with family members, friends or trusted people when they feel overwhelmed.
What is really going on in students’ minds?
Rishi Chaurasia drew attention to the growing academic pressure faced by students, along with expectations from parents.
He pointed out that marks or admission into a particular professional course should not be treated as the sole measure of a student’s success in life. Every student has different abilities, interests and circumstances. Parents and educators, therefore, need to understand what students are experiencing instead of placing an excessive burden of expectations on them.
Where can students seek help when things go wrong?
Medical trainee Anushka Nag highlighted a practical concern faced by students: knowing where to turn when questions arise about an examination.
Students need clear information about who is responsible for conducting examinations, where complaints can be filed and who is accountable when irregularities occur. While social media has increased awareness among students, awareness alone is not enough. There must also be accessible and reliable official channels through which students can seek guidance and assistance.
Paper leak networks need stronger action
Raj Sahu spoke about the anxiety created by examination irregularities and argued that the issue cannot be treated merely as misconduct in an individual examination.
The consequences directly affect students’ careers, aspirations and mental well-being. During the discussion, Sahu also spoke about his personal experience of losing someone close to him to suicide, underscoring the need to approach student mental health with greater sensitivity.
Students must raise their voice against examination malpractice
Student Chaitanya Kavya Dhruv emphasised the importance of student participation in addressing examination irregularities.
According to him, discussions alone are not enough. Students must be encouraged to raise their concerns through democratic and peaceful means. Awareness about honesty, transparency and examination integrity should begin at the school level so that academic success is not separated from ethical values.
The bigger question: How can students trust hard work again?
At the heart of the debate over paper leaks, examination malpractice, intense competition, parental expectations and student stress lies one fundamental question:
How can we assure a hardworking student that their effort will genuinely be rewarded?
The discussion on Nagpur Today Samvaad made one point clear: rebuilding trust in the examination system will require more than stricter rules.
It will require transparent examination processes, advanced security systems, swift and stringent action against malpractice, accessible grievance mechanisms and a strong mental health support system for students.
An examination may test a student’s knowledge and preparation, but the credibility of the system conducting that examination is equally important.
Restoring Gen Z’s faith in the fairness of competitive examinations is no longer solely the responsibility of the education system. It is a collective responsibility of institutions, parents, educators and society.
