Maharashtra TET Exam Postponed After Suspected Paper Leak; Political Reactions Follow

The Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) has postponed the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (MAHA TET) 2026, originally scheduled for June 28, following a suspected question paper leak reported from Bhiwandi. The decision was taken after officials confirmed that some of the material seized during a police raid matched questions from the examination paper.

According to the council, acting on confidential information received early on June 27, Bhiwandi Police raided a location where several individuals were allegedly found in possession of information related to the question paper. During verification, MSCE officials confirmed that some of the recovered questions matched the June 2026 TET paper. A criminal case has been registered, and the council stated that the examination was postponed to ensure complete transparency and facilitate a thorough investigation.

The council also noted that several security measures had already been implemented for the TET following irregularities reported during the NEET 2026 examination, which were meant to ensure fair conduct. The exam was to be held at 1,028 centres across the state.

Political reactions to the incident have emerged. Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, criticised the BJP-led Maharashtra government over the alleged leak. In a post on X, Dipke said the incident showed the government was "incapable of conducting any examination in a proper manner" and alleged that its focus was "solely on political maneuvers, centered on splitting parties and buying out MLAs and MPs."

The Congress party also reacted, stating in a post on X: "Another paper leak. The TET paper has been leaked in Maharashtra. The exam was scheduled for tomorrow, which has now been canceled. Under the BJP government, there is no paper that doesn't get leaked. This government has become the 'Paper Leak Government'."

Separately, on Friday, Dipke announced a nationwide campaign demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He urged students, farmers, and civil society groups to join a "Pradhan Go Back" protest at Jantar Mantar on June 28. Addressing a press conference, Dipke said activist Sonam Wangchuk would also join the campaign and begin an indefinite fast on Sunday.

The incident adds to concerns over examination security in India, following similar alleged leaks in other competitive exams.