News for 'examination reforms'

After NEET fiasco, Nilekani to head task force on NTA exam reforms

After NEET fiasco, Nilekani to head task force on NTA exam reforms

Rediff.com1 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the formation of a high-powered task force, led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, to recommend reforms for examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The task force aims to leverage technology for a robust and transparent examination system, following recent public agitation and the resignation of the Education Minister.

Govt, CJP to discuss education reforms after 4 weeks

Govt, CJP to discuss education reforms after 4 weeks

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has ended its 36-day protest at Jantar Mantar over the NEET issue after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and the government accepting all their demands. The agreement includes compensation for suicide victims' families, withdrawal of FIRs, and future discussions on examination system reforms.

'Getting IV drips every morning': Dipke diagnosed with typhoid

'Getting IV drips every morning': Dipke diagnosed with typhoid

Rediff.com2 days ago

Despite a typhoid diagnosis, Abhijeet Dipke has reaffirmed his commitment to the nationwide protest demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

I could have extended my hunger strike...: Sonam Wangchuk

I could have extended my hunger strike...: Sonam Wangchuk

Rediff.com3 days ago

Educator-activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike, stating he received assurances from the government and MPs regarding examination reforms, compensation for NEET-UG paper leak victims, and protection for peaceful protesters.

Sonam Wangchuk writes to govt, offers to end hunger strike if...

Sonam Wangchuk writes to govt, offers to end hunger strike if...

Rediff.com5 days ago

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has stated he will end his indefinite hunger strike if the Centre provides an unequivocal assurance that no punitive or retaliatory action will be taken against students and youth who participated in protests against alleged examination irregularities.

Ended fast fearing...: Sonam Wangchuk rejects 'deal' charge

Ended fast fearing...: Sonam Wangchuk rejects 'deal' charge

Rediff.com2 days ago

Sonam Wangchuk has strongly denied allegations of a 'deal' with the Centre, clarifying that he concluded his 26-day hunger strike only after receiving a crucial written assurance.

Wangchuk refuses to end fast despite being 'in immense pain'

Wangchuk refuses to end fast despite being 'in immense pain'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk's health is rapidly deteriorating on his 17th day of hunger strike, prompting widespread appeals from prominent political figures and Bollywood celebrities for him to end his fast and for the government to address the urgent demands for NEET examination reforms.

Dia Mirza Takes On Modi: 'You Have Said Nothing'

Dia Mirza Takes On Modi: 'You Have Said Nothing'

Rediff.com3 days ago

Actor Dia Mirza has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's delayed and unempathetic response to ongoing student protests concerning alleged NEET exam irregularities and paper leaks. She highlighted his focus on fast-track courts over addressing the emotional distress of affected students and parents.

'They first said they were doctors and took Sonam Wangchuk away'

'They first said they were doctors and took Sonam Wangchuk away'

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Amidst escalating tensions at Jantar Mantar, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalised by Delhi Police on the 21st day of his hunger strike, sparking widespread protests from supporters.

Anti-Paper Leak Bill: Political Battleground In Parliament

Anti-Paper Leak Bill: Political Battleground In Parliament

Rediff.com6 hours ago

Monday's proceedings demonstrated that the legislative debate has become inseparable from the broader political crisis surrounding the NEET controversy.

CJP protesters remain at Jantar Mantar; Dipke apologises

CJP protesters remain at Jantar Mantar; Dipke apologises

Rediff.com6 days ago

Protesters from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) remained camped at Jantar Mantar following a police crackdown during their 'Sansad Chalo' march, demanding accountability for alleged exam irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Olympic Gold Medallist Abhinav Bindra Calls For Education Reform Amid NEET Row

Olympic Gold Medallist Abhinav Bindra Calls For Education Reform Amid NEET Row

Rediff.com4 days ago

Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra and Grandmaster Nihal Sarin have voiced concerns over the ongoing NEET exam irregularities and student suicides. Bindra called for a transparent and merit-based education system, while Sarin highlighted the immense pressure students face. The protests, supported by activist Sonam Wangchuk, have seen students attempting to march to Parliament.

Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day fast in presence of Modi's ministers

Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day fast in presence of Modi's ministers

Rediff.com3 days ago

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike after Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met him and conveyed the government's assurances regarding his demands, including not registering cases against peaceful protesters and considering compensation for NEET paper leak victims.

Parliamentary panel flags recurring exam irregularities, seeks reforms

Parliamentary panel flags recurring exam irregularities, seeks reforms

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

A parliamentary committee has voiced concerns over ongoing examination irregularities despite government measures, recommending the Ministry of Education publish a time-bound roadmap for reforms. The panel also urged a nationwide blacklist of firms involved in exam processes and suggested utilising the National Testing Agency's financial surplus to enhance its capabilities.

Sonam Wangchuk's hospital video sparks row

Sonam Wangchuk's hospital video sparks row

Rediff.com2 days ago

Activist Sonam Wangchuk released a video detailing his experience at Safdarjung Hospital, where he alleged he was prevented from leaving despite a Delhi High Court order. Hospital authorities claim the video was recorded before they received the official court order and in a no-videography zone. Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike for examination reforms, later ended his fast at Medanta Hospital after government assurances.

What happened to 2024 exam panel's recommentations, asks Congress

What happened to 2024 exam panel's recommentations, asks Congress

Rediff.com14 hours ago

The Congress party has criticised the Modi government's announcement of a new committee on exam reforms, alleging it is a tactic to divert public attention. The opposition highlighted that recommendations from a previous committee formed in 2024 remain largely unimplemented, while Prime Minister Modi has now constituted another high-powered task force led by Nandan Nilekani to reform NTA examinations.

Shah meets Dharmendra Pradhan amid CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' protest

Shah meets Dharmendra Pradhan amid CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' protest

Rediff.com7 days ago

Amidst escalating student protests over alleged NEET examination irregularities, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan held a crucial meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, highlighting the growing pressure on the government for exam reforms.

'We Need To Stop Coaching Classes'

'We Need To Stop Coaching Classes'

Rediff.com16 hours ago

'We can integrate AI and tech into education, but that is just a means and not an end.' 'Ultimately, we need to control what happens in a classroom and we need to let teachers innovate their teaching style to suit the needs of Gen Z and beyond.'

Kerala To End Political Parole, Focus On Inmate Rights And Reforms

Kerala To End Political Parole, Focus On Inmate Rights And Reforms

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced that parole would not be granted or extended on political grounds, assuring that eligible prisoners' legitimate rights would be protected. He highlighted ongoing prison reforms aimed at improving rehabilitation, welfare measures, and administration, including plans to amend the prison manual and strengthen security.

10-yr-jail, Rs 1 cr fine: Cabinet approves stricter anti-paper leak bill

10-yr-jail, Rs 1 cr fine: Cabinet approves stricter anti-paper leak bill

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Union Cabinet has approved a draft bill to introduce stricter punishments for examination paper leaks, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement. This new legislation builds upon the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, aiming to curb cheating in public examinations conducted by various central agencies amidst recent controversies like the NEET and NET paper leaks.

'Hum Jeet Gaye': Tears, joy at Jantar Mantar after Pradhan resigns

'Hum Jeet Gaye': Tears, joy at Jantar Mantar after Pradhan resigns

Rediff.com2 days ago

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned following weeks of widespread protests and public outrage over examination paper leaks, particularly the NEET-UG controversy, leading to jubilant scenes at Jantar Mantar as demonstrators declared 'victory'.

They're India's future, Modi is past: Rahul meets protesting students

They're India's future, Modi is past: Rahul meets protesting students

Rediff.com2 days ago

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has voiced strong support for protesting students, asserting that their demand for the removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is non-negotiable. He contrasted the students as India's future with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the past, encouraging the students to continue their agitation at Jantar Mantar.

Protester who suffered pellet gun injuries discharged from hospital

Protester who suffered pellet gun injuries discharged from hospital

Rediff.com3 days ago

Sheikh Irshad Mansoori, an accounts manager from Gurugram, was severely injured by pellets during a protest in Central Delhi on July 20. He underwent surgery at Lady Hardinge Hospital to remove pellets from his face and neck, sustaining injuries near vital structures. The Delhi Police denied using pellet guns, while other protesters, including a 10-year-old boy, also suffered serious injuries during the demonstrations against alleged exam irregularities.

10 years in jail, Rs 50 lakh fine: Govt tables new paper leak bill

10 years in jail, Rs 50 lakh fine: Govt tables new paper leak bill

Rediff.com12 hours ago

Amidst widespread student protests over the NEET paper leak, the Indian government has introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha. The bill proposes significantly stricter punishments, including jail terms of up to 10 years and fines of up to Rs 50 lakh for individuals involved in paper leaks, and up to Rs 10 crore for organised crimes, aiming to enhance transparency and fairness in public examinations.

CJP says ready for talks with govt at neutral venue

CJP says ready for talks with govt at neutral venue

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has expressed readiness to engage in talks with the government regarding ongoing protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. However, the CJP insists that any discussions must occur at a neutral venue, not a minister's residence, and that the government must genuinely address their demands, which include the resignation of the Union Education Minister and compensation for affected students.

'Will monitor everything closely': SC on NEET paper leaks

'Will monitor everything closely': SC on NEET paper leaks

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Supreme Court has informed the Centre that it will closely monitor the steps taken to curb NEET examination paper leaks, emphasising that 'ad hocism has caused trouble for years' and demanding a comprehensive overhaul of the examination process.

Jantar Mantar protest brings together Boomers and Gen Z

Jantar Mantar protest brings together Boomers and Gen Z

Rediff.com3 days ago

The protest at Jantar Mantar against alleged paper leaks and irregularities in public examinations, initially led by students, has now entered its seventh week and is increasingly drawing support from senior citizens, who view it as a fight for the nation's future and education reforms.

Parliamentary panel to review NEET paper leak, NTA reforms

Parliamentary panel to review NEET paper leak, NTA reforms

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A parliamentary panel has decided to review the implementation of reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) as well as the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case and has summoned NTA Chairperson Pradeep Kumar Joshi and other bureaucrats for deliberations.

Will get back to you, says govt as CJP insists on Pradhan's resignation

Will get back to you, says govt as CJP insists on Pradhan's resignation

Rediff.com3 days ago

Amidst escalating protests over the NEET paper leak, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has declared Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation 'non-negotiable' and is also demanding 1 crore compensation for families affected by suicides linked to the exam cancellation.

Harbhajan Singh seeks united push to end protests over NEET paper leak

Harbhajan Singh seeks united push to end protests over NEET paper leak

Rediff.com3 days ago

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh on Friday welcomed activist Sonam Wangchuk's decision to end his 26-day hunger strike, saying dialogue and trust are better than confrontation to resolve the crisis pertaining to the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.

Cong Shifts Strategy, Challenges PM's Authority

Cong Shifts Strategy, Challenges PM's Authority

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Congress escalated its campaign against alleged examination irregularities by marching to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, transforming the issue into a direct challenge to his political authority and demanding the resignations of top government officials.

BJP greets Pradhan with 'zindabad' slogans at Parl, Cong fumes

BJP greets Pradhan with 'zindabad' slogans at Parl, Cong fumes

Rediff.com10 hours ago

Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have strongly criticised the BJP for felicitating former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned following student protests over the NEET exam controversy. They have also dismissed the government's proposed anti-paper leak legislation as a 'cosmetic Bill' and questioned the sincerity of education reforms.

Board Marks To Count For 50% In NEET, JEE admissions?

Board Marks To Count For 50% In NEET, JEE admissions?

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The ministry of education is contemplating significant reforms to the admission process for crucial entrance exams like NEET and JEE. Proposed changes include giving 50 per cent weightage to board exam marks, aligning entrance tests with school syllabi, and introducing multiple attempts and computer-based tests. These reforms aim to reduce the high-stakes nature of exams and address issues like evaluation errors and paper leaks.

Sweeping changes in education system: Students' demands from new minister

Sweeping changes in education system: Students' demands from new minister

Rediff.com1 days ago

Following the change in the Education ministry, students involved in the CJP protests express hope for significant reforms. Their key demands include greater transparency in the exam system, affordable and quality education, and improved government schools, highlighting the widespread desire for a more equitable and effective education system in India.

NEET paper leak: NTA fires 47 officials, promises overhaul

NEET paper leak: NTA fires 47 officials, promises overhaul

Rediff.com3 days ago

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has terminated 47 officials and plans legal action following the NEET paper leak controversy. This comes amidst widespread protests and demands for the Education Minister's resignation, as the NTA initiates a major overhaul and recruitment drive to strengthen its operations.

In letter to PM, Hazare favours govt-protesters talk; says minister's resignation will send message

In letter to PM, Hazare favours govt-protesters talk; says minister's resignation will send message

Rediff.com5 days ago

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'Stop, these are our sons and daughters': Sonia slams govt

'Stop, these are our sons and daughters': Sonia slams govt

Rediff.com3 days ago

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on the Modi government, accusing it of responding to student demands for accountability and educational reforms with 'cowardice and wanton cruelty,' treating them as 'enemies of the nation.' She further alleged that the government has degraded India's education landscape and routinely chooses violence over dialogue.

Govt debunks fake AI videos Union min, blames Pak handles

Govt debunks fake AI videos Union min, blames Pak handles

Rediff.com2 days ago

Union Minister Piyush Goyal has filed a police complaint after an AI-generated deepfake video, maliciously altering his remarks, surfaced on social media. The video falsely depicted him making threatening statements against students protesting the NEET examination. Government sources confirm many related links have been taken down, and Goyal has warned of strict legal action against those involved in its creation and dissemination.

Pradhan's resignation not everything, protests will continue: Student groups

Pradhan's resignation not everything, protests will continue: Student groups

Rediff.com2 days ago

Student organisations across India celebrated the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, attributing it to their nationwide protests against alleged NEET irregularities. While welcoming the move as a victory, groups like NSUI, AISA, and SFI affirmed their commitment to continue agitations until broader demands for accountability, transparency, and education reforms, including scrapping the NTA and NEP, are met.

Hazare writes to Modi; says minister's exit won't weaken govt, favours talks

Hazare writes to Modi; says minister's exit won't weaken govt, favours talks

Rediff.com5 days ago

Social activist Anna Hazare on Wednesday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying violence and police action during the students' ongoing protest in Delhi were "deeply distressing", and asserted that "dialogue" was always preferable to confrontation in a democracy.