India’s public examination system requires structural reforms that prevent paper leaks instead of relying solely on stricter punishments after the damage is done, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said while participating in the Lok Sabha debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, the Thiruvananthapuram MP said millions of students and their families invest years of effort, financial resources and emotional commitment into competitive examinations, making the credibility of the examination process critical.

Tharoor says students deserve a fair and secure examination system

Tharoor said students appearing for examinations such as NEET, JEE and UGC-NET carry far more than an admit card into the examination hall.

He noted that families often spend significant savings on education, coaching and study material while students devote years of preparation in pursuit of professional opportunities. According to him, a paper leak undermines not only an examination but also the hard work and sacrifices made by candidates and their families.

While acknowledging the proposed legislation’s tougher penalties, including lengthy imprisonment and heavy financial penalties for those involved in paper leaks, Tharoor argued that punishment comes only after students have already suffered the consequences.

Calls for reforms beyond stricter penalties

The Congress leader said every paper leak points to deeper weaknesses within the country’s examination system rather than being an isolated incident.

He stressed that Parliament’s objective should be to prevent such incidents altogether through stronger safeguards instead of focusing primarily on punitive measures.

Tharoor also questioned whether the judicial system would be able to consistently deliver speedy trials under the proposed fast-track provisions included in the legislation.

Suggests multiple exam attempts through computer-based testing

Advocating long-term reforms, Tharoor proposed moving away from the existing model in which a student’s future often depends on a single high-stakes examination.

He suggested introducing continuous computer-based entrance examinations with multiple attempts during the year, allowing candidates to submit their best score for admissions. According to him, such a system could reduce stress, accommodate emergencies, strengthen examination integrity and minimise the risk of paper leaks.

Raises concern over competition and student mental health

Highlighting the intense competition for professional education, Tharoor said the large gap between the number of aspirants and available seats contributes to the pressure surrounding entrance examinations.

He also expressed concern over student suicides, saying these figures represent individual lives and families affected by the immense stress associated with competitive examinations.

Calling for broader educational reforms, Tharoor said India needs more quality institutions, increased professional education seats and multiple pathways to higher education so that a single examination does not determine a student’s future.

Concluding his remarks, he said the responsibility of students is to prepare sincerely, while the responsibility of the system is to ensure that their preparation is rewarded through a fair, credible and secure examination process. He added that although the proposed legislation is likely to be passed, broader reforms are necessary to restore confidence in India’s public examination system.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has strongly criticised BJP MP Kangana Ranaut over her remarks targeting Gen Z protesters, saying the actor-turned-politician’s comments were inappropriate and did not reflect the responsibility expected from an elected representative.

The exchange comes days after Ranaut criticised protesters who participated in demonstrations led by the CJP over the alleged NEET paper leak, describing their language as “crass” and referring to them as “Generation Gutter” in an Instagram post.

CJP dismisses Kangana Ranaut’s criticism

Responding to Ranaut’s remarks on Tuesday, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the BJP MP was not taken seriously even within her own party and claimed younger generations were unlikely to pay attention to her statements.

Das also referred to Ranaut’s earlier comments about the workload of being a Member of Parliament, arguing that they reflected a lack of seriousness. He accused the MP of criticising young people while exposing what he described as her own casual approach towards public office.

Calls for dignified political discourse

The CJP spokesperson said public representatives should use measured language and uphold the dignity associated with their constitutional positions.

According to Das, Gen Z has made meaningful contributions to the country and has played an important role in strengthening public faith in democratic processes. He argued that such contributions should not be dismissed through sweeping remarks about an entire generation.

Kangana Ranaut’s remarks

In a series of Instagram posts on Monday, Ranaut criticised the conduct of protesters participating in demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and elsewhere. She questioned their upbringing, described their language as offensive, and said their online content left her wanting a “digital detox.”

The BJP MP also criticised women participating in the protests, alleging they glorified substance abuse and depended on their parents financially. She referred to them as “Generation Gutter” and made further remarks questioning their abilities and contribution to society.

Her comments drew criticism from several political leaders, with some demanding an apology and questioning whether she fully understood the issues surrounding the NEET controversy that triggered the protests.

Background of the protests

The CJP began its protests at Jantar Mantar on June 20, demanding accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak and calling for the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The agitation intensified with a Parliament March on July 20, during which protesters and police clashed. Authorities said more than 118 police personnel were injured, while protesters alleged the use of lathicharge, tear gas and pellet guns during the confrontation.

Following two rounds of discussions between the Centre and the CJP, Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the post of Education Minister on Saturday. The CJP subsequently ended its protest after stating that it had received assurances that peaceful demonstrators would not face action and that families of students who died by suicide following the NEET paper leak would receive compensation.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday strongly criticised the appointment of Pralhad Joshi as the Union Education Minister, alleging that the BJP had entrusted the ministry to a leader who had defended the premature release of the convicts in the Bilkis Bano case.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Gandhi expressed surprise over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to hand over the Education Ministry to Joshi after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from the post following sustained protests over alleged paper leaks.

Referring to Joshi’s earlier remarks on the remission granted to 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano case, Gandhi said the BJP had chosen a “defender of rapists” for the Education Ministry. He further alleged that there could not be “a filthier man” than someone who believes rapists deserve protection.

His remarks came while the Lok Sabha was debating a Bill aimed at strengthening action against unfair practices in public examinations.

Rahul Gandhi cites Joshi’s earlier remarks on Bilkis Bano case

Pralhad Joshi had defended the Gujarat government’s decision to grant remission to 11 men convicted of raping Bilkis Bano and murdering members of her family during the 2002 Gujarat riots.

At the time, Joshi had stated that the convicts had spent a considerable period in prison and that their release was carried out under the legal process. He had also referred to their reported good behaviour while serving their sentences as one of the factors behind the decision.

In 2024, however, the Supreme Court cancelled the remission granted to the convicts, observing that the order lacked legal competence.

Priyanka Gandhi also questions the appointment

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra echoed Rahul Gandhi’s criticism during her speech in the Lok Sabha.

She said the appointment of a minister who had previously supported the release of the Bilkis Bano convicts sent an adverse message to women and girls across the country. According to her, the Prime Minister’s decision conveyed a clear message without any ambiguity.

Earlier, while Rahul Gandhi was addressing reporters, Priyanka Gandhi also pointed out that many women had participated in the protests related to the education system.

Education Ministry changed after paper leak protests

Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister on Saturday following weeks of protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged paper leaks. The demonstrations had been underway at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar since June 20.

Pradhan’s resignation was one of the key demands raised by the protesters. The agitation was called off hours after his resignation letter was submitted to the Prime Minister.

Following the resignation, the Centre assigned the additional charge of the Education Ministry to Pralhad Joshi, who continues to hold the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution portfolios.