Protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak have spread from New Delhi to Assam, with a major demonstration held at Chachal in Guwahati in support of activist Sonam Wangchuk, and a fresh protest march planned in Duliajan on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Protesters across Assam are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a transparent investigation into examination irregularities.
What Happened at Chachal, Guwahati?
Hundreds of students, youth groups, and citizens gathered at Chachal in Guwahati to hold a peaceful protest in solidarity with social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike over alleged irregularities in national entrance examinations.
The protest was not just symbolic — it carried specific, pointed demands. Demonstrators called for:
- A fair and independent investigation into the alleged NEET paper leak
- Greater transparency in how national entrance exams like NEET are conducted
- Strict action against individuals or agencies responsible for exam irregularities
- Structural reforms to rebuild trust in India’s examination system
Placards and slogans dominated the gathering, with speakers highlighting how repeated controversies around national exams have directly affected students’ futures — from delayed admissions to eroded confidence in merit-based selection.
Why Are Protesters Demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation?
The central demand echoing through Chachal and similar protest sites is the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Protesters and student organizations argue that as the minister overseeing India’s education and examination framework, he should be held accountable for the alleged NEET paper leak.
This demand isn’t isolated to Assam. Opposition political parties and student groups in several states have raised the same call. However, the central government has publicly stated that it currently has no plans to remove Pradhan from his position, setting up a continuing standoff between protesters and the government.
Who Is Sonam Wangchuk, and Why Does His Movement Matter to Assam?
Sonam Wangchuk, known for his education-reform advocacy, has been leading a prolonged hunger strike demanding accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak. His campaign has resonated far beyond his home base, drawing support from:
- Students preparing for or affected by NEET and similar competitive exams
- Youth organizations across multiple states
- Civil society and citizen groups concerned about examination integrity
The Guwahati protest at Chachal was a direct extension of this movement, showing that concerns about examination fairness are not confined to any one region — they are being felt strongly in Assam as well.
A Nationwide Movement Reaching Assam
The Chachal protest in Guwahati did not happen in isolation. It is part of a broader, nationwide wave of demonstrations, with similar protests reported in:
- New Delhi
- Mumbai
- Bengaluru
- Goa
What makes the Assam chapter of this movement significant is its momentum — it started with a large gathering in Guwahati and is now expanding to smaller towns, showing that student concerns are spreading beyond major metro areas into district-level communities.
Duliajan Students Announce Peaceful Protest for July 26, 2026
Following the Guwahati demonstration, students in Duliajan, Assam have announced their own peaceful protest march, scheduled for Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Key Details of the Duliajan Protest
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | 26 July 2026 (Sunday) |
| Time | 10:00 AM onwards |
| Starting Point | Duliajan College Road |
| Destination | Clock Tower, Duliajan |
| Organizer | Duliajan Chatra Samaj |
According to posters circulated by the Duliajan Chatra Samaj, the march will begin at Duliajan College Road and proceed toward the Clock Tower. Organizers have specifically appealed to school and college students, along with members of the general public, to join peacefully.
What Are Duliajan Protesters Demanding?
The posters circulated ahead of the event indicate that the demonstration will focus on:
- The alleged NEET paper leak
- Broader concerns about the education system
- Admission-related issues affecting students
- Wider student rights and accountability in examinations
Organizers have been clear in describing this as a peaceful march, calling for calm and orderly public participation rather than confrontation.
Why This Matters for Assam’s Students and Families
For families across Assam — particularly in districts like Guwahati and Duliajan — NEET and similar national entrance exams represent a critical pathway to medical education and professional careers. Any perceived breach in the fairness of these exams directly affects:
- Student trust in the merit-based admission process
- Parental confidence in investing time and resources into exam preparation
- Regional representation, as Assam students compete on a national platform where transparency is essential for a level playing field
This is why the protests have gained traction not just among activists, but among ordinary students and citizens who see the issue as directly tied to their own futures.
Timeline: How the Protests Spread to Assam
- Nationwide protests begin in New Delhi over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, led in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike.
- Protests spread to major cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Goa.
- Guwahati’s Chachal protest brings the movement to Assam, with hundreds gathering in support of Wangchuk and demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
- Duliajan Chatra Samaj announces a fresh, peaceful protest march for July 26, 2026, extending the movement to smaller Assam towns.
FAQ
Q: What is the main demand of the Assam NEET protests? A: Protesters are primarily demanding a fair investigation into the alleged NEET paper leak, greater transparency in national exams, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Q: When is the next major protest in Assam? A: A peaceful protest march is scheduled in Duliajan on Sunday, July 26, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM from Duliajan College Road and proceeding to the Clock Tower.
Q: Who is organizing the Duliajan protest? A: The Duliajan Chatra Samaj is organizing the march and has appealed to school and college students, as well as the general public, to participate peacefully.
Q: Has the government responded to the resignation demand? A: The central government has stated it currently has no plans to remove Dharmendra Pradhan from his position, despite pressure from protesters and opposition parties.
Q: Is this protest connected to a larger national movement? A: Yes. The Assam protests are part of a wider nationwide movement that has also seen demonstrations in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Goa, largely in support of activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike over examination accountability.
Conclusion
the July 26 Duliajan march approaches, all eyes will be on how local authorities and organizers manage the demonstration, and whether the growing pressure from Assam and other states influences the central government’s stance on the NEET paper leak controversy. For now, the movement continues to gain ground — moving from India’s capital to Assam’s cities and now into its smaller towns, driven by students demanding accountability and trust in the examination system they depend on.
