Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has reached day 17 of an indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi to protest alleged NEET (UG) 2026 exam leaks.
The protest highlights growing frustration over the integrity of India's medical entrance examinations and the perceived lack of accountability within the national education system.
Wangchuk began his fast on June 28 at the Jantar Mantar protest site [1]. He is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following allegations that the NEET 2026 examination papers were leaked [2].
Reports on Wangchuk's health indicate a significant decline in physical condition. By day 17, he had lost 8.5 kg [3]. Earlier reports during the strike noted a weight loss of over seven kg [4].
Despite the physical toll, Wangchuk has continued his demonstration. "My journey has been driven by empathy…" Wangchuk said [5].
The strike comes amid widespread concerns regarding the fairness of the 2026 examination cycle. Protesters argue that the leakage of papers undermines the meritocratic process for aspiring medical students, and requires a leadership change at the ministry to restore public trust [2].
Wangchuk, known for his environmental and educational advocacy in Ladakh, has shifted his focus to the national education crisis through this fast [1]. He remains at Jantar Mantar as the strike continues indefinitely [3].
“Sonam Wangchuk has reached day 17 of an indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi”
The escalation of Sonam Wangchuk's protest to a 17-day hunger strike signals a deepening crisis of confidence in India's standardized testing infrastructure. By linking the alleged NEET 2026 leaks to a demand for ministerial resignation, the movement moves beyond a request for a re-examination and becomes a direct challenge to the administrative leadership of the Union Education Ministry.
