Panshul Bansal, who secured All India Rank 2 in the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, said he decided to stay away from the ongoing protests over the alleged paper leak controversy and focus on his studies instead. The student said he preferred preparing at home rather than participating in demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. "Why should I go to the protest? Instead, I could be studying at home," Bansal told NDTV while explaining his decision not to join the agitation.

When asked about his views on the ongoing protests, the top rank holder chose not to comment on the issue directly. Bansal, a student of KR Mangalam World School in Greater Kailash, New Delhi, secured 715 marks in the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination and achieved a percentile score of 99.9999. His performance placed him among the highest scorers in the medical entrance examination. The re-examination was conducted after the original NEET-UG test, held on May 3, was cancelled following allegations of a question paper leak.

The matter is currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), with authorities examining claims of irregularities in the examination process. The fresh examination was held on June 21 under enhanced security measures to address concerns over transparency and fairness. The results of the re-examination were announced on July 16, allowing successful candidates to continue with the admission process for medical colleges. Bansal improved his score in the re-test compared with his performance in the original examination.

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He had scored around 706 marks in the first attempt before the cancellation of the exam and later achieved 715 marks in the re-examination. His comments come at a time when student groups and opposition parties have intensified protests over alleged irregularities in NEET-UG. Demonstrators have demanded accountability and action from authorities, including calls for reforms in the examination system. Several students affected by the controversy have raised concerns about the impact of the paper leak allegations on candidates who prepared for the highly competitive medical entrance exam.

The government has maintained that it is committed to protecting the credibility of examinations and ensuring strict action against those found responsible. Bansal’s decision highlights the different ways students have responded to the controversy, with some choosing public protests while others focusing on academic preparation and future opportunities. As admissions based on NEET-UG 2026 results move forward, authorities continue to address concerns surrounding examination security and fairness. The investigation into the alleged paper leak remains ongoing, with further developments expected as agencies examine the case.

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