'Education Should Be the Next Trend': Salman Backs NEET Protest

Mumbai (Maharashtra)[India] July 23: Actor Salman Khan voiced his support for the student protest over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak led by the Cockroach Janta Party. The star stated he was pleased that students had united to call for a better educational system, urging that their concerns be heard by the government.

Posting an old black-and-white picture of himself from his school days, Khan called the issue of paper leak a very serious issue. He further expressed his sympathy for the distressed students and their families in a long Instagram post on Wednesday, applauding the students for coming together to advocate for changes, while also thanking their parents for their support.

The post says, “It was such a peaceful movement, feel so sad that it had to take a violent turn. My heart goes out to the students and their families who were hurt. Paper leak is a very serious issue, and I am glad to know n see that the kids of our country have come together for a better educational system, and their parents supported them.”
“I truly appreciate the stand they have taken, showing dedication, sincerity, and keenness to study hard n make their future and a greater, educated India. This andolan, this protest, is the right way to go abt it, n the students have done this peacefully. So courageous and brave. Driven and motivated towards education, this generation will make India proud.”

He added, “This issue is between the students and the educational system, it should not be hijacked politically, the credit should only go to the students of our country, and I am sure the government will also give them all the support n make it a stronger educational system. It’s a win-win situation. Hoping n praying for a positive decision. God bless all of you who wanna be educated.”
"Education should be the next trend and fashion, and should get trendier n more fashionable yr by yr, itna k bahar se log (people from outside) come to India to study and India becomes an educational hub," he stated.

As per officials in Delhi, on Monday, during the Cockroach Janta Party protest in New Delhi, the agitators' behavior was unruly, aggressive and violent. They had repeatedly ignored lawful advice and directions given by police and chose to actively breach prohibitory orders in place. The protesters have argued that their fellow protesters were attacked indiscriminately by members of Delhi Police, with many sustaining injuries. There are also videos online where the Delhi Police are seen lathi-charging the student crowd and firing tear gas. Protesters have also stated that unidentified individuals in civilian clothes attacked them.

The student movement was sparked in response to the alleged leak of the NEET-UG 2026 paper. Frustration with numerous past incidents of cheating and unfairness in the examination system has led to a nationwide student movement pushing for increased transparency and responsibility in the examination process.
The protesters have called for various reforms, including stricter prevention of paper leaks, a revamping of the education system, compensation for students affected and the resignation of the Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan.