Schools, colleges and universities across Telangana remained closed on Friday as a statewide bandh called by student organisations disrupted academic activities over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and other examination irregularities.

The protest, supported by several student and youth organisations, also condemned the alleged police action against students demonstrating in New Delhi over the examination controversy.

The bandh affected government and private educational institutions across Hyderabad and several other districts, with many universities postponing scheduled examinations.

Student Organisations Demand Accountability

The bandh was jointly called by organisations including the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), Students' Federation of India (SFI), All India Students' Federation (AISF), All India Students' Association (AISA), Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and several other student groups.

The organisations demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that he should accept responsibility for the alleged NEET paper leak and repeated irregularities in national-level entrance examinations.

Student leaders also sought strict action against those allegedly involved in the paper leak, withdrawal of cases registered against protesting students and reforms to improve transparency in the examination system.

Universities Postpone Examinations

The bandh significantly affected higher education across the state.

Osmania University, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) and Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences announced the postponement of examinations scheduled for Friday. Revised examination dates are expected to be announced later.

According to the Telangana Recognised Private Schools Association, most of the nearly 3,500 private schools within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation limits also remained closed.

Private junior colleges and degree colleges suspended classes as a precautionary measure.

Read more: PM Modi Reaffirms Strict Action Against NEET Paper Leak Accused, Calls for Stronger Exam Security

Political Parties Extend Support

The protest received support from political parties, including the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Congress, both of which organised separate demonstrations in Hyderabad.

BRS Working President K. T. Rama Rao (KTR) participated in a protest near Indira Park and accused the Central government of failing to address concerns over examination irregularities and youth employment.

He also criticised the alleged use of force against student protesters in New Delhi and reiterated the demand for the resignation of the Union Education Minister.

Meanwhile, Telangana Congress leaders organised a rally in Hyderabad demanding accountability over the alleged examination irregularities. Police later stopped and detained several protesters before they could proceed with their march.

Protest Highlights Growing Concern Over Exam Reforms

The Telangana bandh reflects growing concern among students and political groups over the integrity of competitive examinations in India.

Protesters have called for comprehensive reforms to the examination system, stronger safeguards against paper leaks, accountability for officials responsible for alleged lapses and support for students affected by the controversy.

The issue continues to draw national attention as discussions between the Central government and student representatives remain ongoing.