For millions of young Indians, a competitive examination is far beyond a test of knowledge and intelligence. It is the result of years of discipline, consistency, family sacrifice, and the unwavering hope that they will be able to change their fortune by clearing the exam. Parents empty their savings, students postpone celebrations, move into coaching ghettos, and spend countless hours preparing for what they believe is the fairest path to a better and secure future. The equa

On the morning of May 3, 2026, millions of Indians sat down in examination halls across India to write the NEET-UG examination to fulfil their dream of becoming doctors. Nine days later, the path to this dream was unceremoniously stopped by an all-too-familiar feature of the education system in Indian democracy. Across the SSC exam and state exams, yet another paper leak declared this path closed. Even the National Testing Agency (NTA) declared that the exam was cancelled and