New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said nothing is more important than the welfare and future of the country’s youth as he announced fast-track courts to ensure speedy trial of those involved in the question paper leak incident.In a post by“The news comes at a time when the NEET-UG 2026 exam continues to dominate the national discussion. More than a month into the re-examination, questions about the examination process have shifted from alleged question paper leaks to OMR discrepancies, result-related complaints and grievance redressal mechanisms, while protests demanding accountability continue at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.Protests continue for weeks after re-examinationThis latest announcement comes against the backdrop of one of the longest-running student protests against the national entrance exams in recent years. Students, parents and youth groups have continued to demonstrate at Jantar Mantar since June, demanding more transparency in the conduct of competitive exams.High-profile figures supporting the campaign include climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who entered the 26th day of an indefinite hunger strike on July 23. Wangchuk, who began fasting on June 28 in solidarity with protesting students, said he would end his fast only after receiving assurances that no punitive action would be taken against the young protesters. He was shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon after his health condition deteriorated.Student organizations such as the Students Federation of India (SFI), All India Students Association (AISA) and members of the Cockroach Party (CJP) continue to press for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, wider reforms in the examination system, greater transparency in the functioning of the national examination body and action against officials suspected of irregularities.Controversy expands after paper leakedThe controversy started with allegations surrounding NEET-UG 2026 paper leaks, which eventually led to the decision to re-conduct the exam. The re-examination was held on June 21 at 5,440 examination centers in India and 14 overseas examination centers, with more than 2 million candidates taking part, and security measures were tightened.However, the retest did not end the controversy. After the National Examinations Board showed the scanned OMR sheets and recorded answers between July 13 and July 15, several candidates claimed that there were discrepancies in the OMR sheets, recorded answers and final marks. While the NTA said investigations into some complaints had uncovered AI-generated or tampered documents and warned of legal action against those who submitted false records, other candidates continued to seek verification of their original OMR forms.Pay demands and wider issuesThe scope of the protests also goes beyond demands for a fair review process. Protest groups have sought £10 million in compensation for the families of those who aspired to NEET who they say died by suicide following the exam controversy. They also called for structural changes to enhance the credibility and transparency of national entrance exams.Against this backdrop, the Prime Minister’s announcement of a fast-track tribunal marks the Government’s latest response to concerns about exam integrity. As the NEET-UG 2026 controversy unfolds, whether the move meets the broader demands raised by students and parents — including transparency in assessments, redressal of grievances and institutional accountability — is likely to remain part of the ongoing public debate.