Is NEET PG student data out for sale?

For most doctors who appeared for NEET PG 2025, the post-exam phase was supposed to be about one thing — waiting. Waiting for ranks, counselling dates, and clarity about the next step in their careers. Instead, many found themselves dealing with a far more unsettling distraction: Strangers calling them, quoting their exam details, and offering “help” with admissions.What initially sounded like routine spam has now snowballed into a much larger controversy.In the past few weeks, several media reports have mentioned that personal data of NEET PG 2025 candidates might be circulating online, and could be sold as ready-made databases to private admission agents and counsellors. The claims have raised uncomfortable questions about how candidate information is handled and how easily it may be slipping out of official control.

What the allegations are about

Various media reports have found that databases being advertised as “NEET PG 2025 student data” have surfaced on websites and private messaging platforms. These listings claim to offer detailed information of candidates who appeared for the postgraduate medical entrance exam.What has alarmed aspirants is the nature of the data being mentioned. According to reports, the information allegedly includes candidate names, parents’ names, phone numbers, email IDs, city and state details, roll numbers, marks and ranks. In short, it goes well beyond what is publicly available.The reports have also mentioned that sellers are charging anywhere between a few thousand rupees and over ₹10,000 for access to these databases, depending on the volume and depth of information promised.

How did candidates realise something was wrong?

For many aspirants, the first red flag came in the form of phone calls, suggest media reports.Doctors who had recently checked their NEET PG results allegedly began receiving calls from private agents claiming they could arrange seats in medical colleges. What made these calls different was the precision. Callers reportedly knew not just the candidates’ names, but their ranks, scores and sometimes even personal details that had been shared only during the application process.As per media accounts, some candidates went on to search online and found listings offering NEET PG 2025 data for sale. In a few cases cited in these reports, candidates whose details appeared in sample datasets confirmed that the information matched their own records.

How NBEMS responded

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), which conducts NEET PG exam, has responded to the allegations, according to Medical Dialogues, a media platform primarily known for reporting news related to medical education. The board has stated that it shares candidate data only with authorised bodies such as the Medical Counselling Committee and state counselling authorities, and only for counselling and admission-related purposes.NBEMS has reportedly denied that the data leak occurred at its end. Officials have indicated that if any unauthorised access has taken place, it may have happened after the data was shared with other agencies involved in the counselling process.As reported by Medical Dialogues, NBEMS has submitted a report on the issue to the Union Health Ministry. The issue is still being looked into, and no official decision has been made yet.

Why the issue has struck a nerve

The controversy comes at a moment when digital privacy is under intense scrutiny, especially in exams like NEET PG, where vast amounts of sensitive personal information are collected. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 is now in place. So, there is a clear expectation that such information will be kept safe,and shared only through secure channels.If candidate information submitted for NEET PG has indeed been misused, it raises questions that go beyond one exam cycle. Legal experts quoted in many media reports have pointed out that in case of a confirmed breach, scrutiny will be carried out under existing data protection laws.For aspirants, however, the worry is immediate and personal. Unwanted calls, false promises, and the worry of being targeted during counselling have made an already stressful time even harder for them.

Where could the data have leaked from?

So far, there is no official clarity on where the alleged breach occurred. What is evident, as highlighted in various reports, is that NEET PG data does not remain with a single authority.After the results are announced, candidate information is sent to several agencies and platforms for All India Quota and state-level counselling. Each time the data is shared, the risk of it being exposed increases if proper security measures are not in place.The layered nature of the admissions process makes accountability harder to establish — but also harder to ignore.

What are students asking for?

Aspirants quoted across media reports are calling for transparency. Many want authorities to clearly spell out who has access to their data, how long it is retained, and what checks are in place to prevent misuse.There is also growing demand for official warnings against private agents claiming guaranteed seats, particularly when such claims are backed by confidential-looking data.

What happens now

For the moment, the Health Ministry’s review of the report submitted by NBEMS is ongoing. Until official findings are made public, the issue remains driven by candidate accounts and investigative reporting.No matter what the final outcome is, this issue has shown a bigger problem. In exams like NEET PG, trust is very important. Students give their personal information expecting it to be kept safe. When that trust is broken, it doesn’t just affect one exam—it makes people doubt the whole system.

NAGPUR: Amidst the brutal persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh in run-up to February polls, a party registered in April hopes to fight its maiden elections, seeking Hindu and other minority votes. The Bangladesh Minority Janta Party (BMJP) is preparing to contest 91 of 300 seats of the Jatiya Parishad (national parliament), hoping to win 40 to 45 seats, said the outfit’s president Sukriti Kumar Mandal.Talking to TOI on phone from Dhaka, Mandal, a seasoned politician, said, “We have zeroed in on constituencies where the minority, especially Hindu vote-bank, ranges from 20% to 60%.”

Scrambling to file nominations before the Monday deadline, Mandal feels Hindus need to feel safe to come out and vote. A tie-up with any mainstream party — be it Tarique Rahman’s BNP or Jamaat-e-Islami — can help. “With an alliance with these parties, minorities can come out of their houses without fearing retaliation. Awami League is off the radar, and BMJP is the only voice of persecuted Hindus,” he told TOI.

Mandal said the party candidates would be finalised in a day or two. “By Saturday, all nominations would be filed,” he said. He said India should change its stand on Bangladesh and only back the cause of Hindus, instead of supporting Awami League. “If India shifts from its pro-Awami League stand, mainstream Bangladesh parties will sit up and take note. India must know that BMJP is the sole voice of minorities,” he said.A change in stand could also lead to a change in Bangladeshi mindset towards India, he said, adding the Awami League only used India for gaining power.The five-point agenda shared with TOI includes working towards a secular Bangladesh, establishing a federal system by carving out five provinces, and establishing fundamental and constitutional rights of each state. BMJP also proposes changes in textbooks with a secular and scientific approach, apart from ensuring fair rights for minorities.The party’s vision document says communalism has not subsided, though an independent Bangladesh was established with the objective of building a social system free of discrimination. “The Enemy Property Act, created during Pakistan rule, is now being used to target Hindus. Lakhs of acres of Hindu land have been lost, and countless families have been ruined after property grabbing, personal vendetta, forced conversion and arson at places of worship, which are daily incidents,” said Mandal.He also said 2.5 crore Hindus in Bangladesh are there to stay in the country. Remaining in the mainstream can be the solution. “There is a sizable Hindu population in a cross-section of constituencies. Earlier, they were Awami League supporters. To come out and vote for us, either of the mainstream parties must declare a tie-up,” he says.

India on Sunday paid tribute to late Ratan Tata on his 88th birth anniversary, as political leaders, industrialists and institutions gathered to remember the businessman.Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekaran paid homage to Ratan Tata at Bombay House, garlanding the statue of the late industrialist and philanthropist, Ratan Tata, the former chairman of the Tata Group.Recalling his contribution, Tata Trusts said, “Under his guidance, philanthropy evolved from charity to a strategic, results-driven approach, addressing healthcare, education, livelihood, women-empowerment, and more—with a focus on long-term transformation and community resilience.”The organisation further added that Tata’s vision went beyond merely addressing socio-economic gaps. “It calls for collaboration between innovation, supportive technology, and a deep understanding of local needs, ensuring that solutions are thoughtful, scalable, and reach those who need them the most,” the post read.Tata Consulting Engineers also took to X, commemorating the late businessman. Union home minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to the late industrialist, writing he “reshaped Indian enterprise with integrity and compassion. From building indigenous industry to selfless philanthropy, he showed that true success lies in service to the nation. His legacy will inspire a self-reliant Bharat,” Shah wrote on X.Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis remembered Ratan Tata as a visionary leader who built trust alongside global businesses. “A leader who built not just enterprises, but trust, compassion, and faith Indian excellence, globally. His humility and vision remain a guiding light for every aspiring entrepreneur and citizen,” Fadnavis said.Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu also paid his respects, describing Ratan Tata as a leader whose values would continue to inspire generations. “Fondly remembering Shri Ratan Tata Ji on his birth anniversary. A visionary industrialist and compassionate leader, he devoted his life to business excellence and philanthropy. His integrity, humility, and commitment to society will continue to inspire us all. My humble tributes to him,” Naidu wrote on X.Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan said Ratan Tata’s legacy would remain a source of inspiration. “Homage to the titan of India Inc, Padma Vibhushan Shri Ratan Tata on his birth anniversary. A visionary, he redefined India’s industrial and business landscape with ethical and compassionate leadership,” he said.Union minister Piyush Goyal also remembered the former Tata Group chairman, noting the lasting impact of his leadership. “On his Jayanti, I fondly remember Shri Ratan Tata ji with deep admiration and respect. His leadership seamlessly blended innovation with compassion, redefining the role of Indian enterprise in national development. The institutions he nurtured and the values he championed continue to guide generations,” Goyal wrote.Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that Ratan Tata’s life of integrity, humility and compassion, along with his commitment to philanthropy and nation-building, set a benchmark for ethical leadership.YSRCP supremo and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also remembered him, writing on X, “Paying tributes to the ‘Jewel of India’ Ratan Tata on his birthday. His entrepreneurship took Indian industry to a global level, and his legacy continues to guide us”.Born into the Tata family founded by his great-grandfather Jamsetji Tata, Ratan Naval Tata studied architecture at Cornell University and returned to India in 1962 to join the group.Ratan Tata played a major role in expanding the Tata Group into a global conglomerate with businesses across steel, automobiles, software and telecommunications. He took over as chairman of the Tata Group in 1991, succeeding JRD Tata. During his tenure, he introduced major organisational reforms, including setting retirement ages and encouraging younger leaders to take on senior responsibilities. He led several landmark international acquisitions, like Tetley Tea in 2000 and Land Rover from Ford in 2008. Ratan Tata also played a crucial role in the Tata Group’s acquisition of Air India from the government in January 2022 and launched the Tata Nano, a low-cost car aimed at making personal transport more affordable. After stepping away from active leadership, he became a prominent investor in Indian start-ups, supporting firms such as Paytm, Ola Electric and Urban Company. He received numerous national and international honours, including the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008. Other recognitions included the Assam Baibhav in 2021, Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia in 2023, an Honorary Doctor of Science from IIT Bombay in 2008, the Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in 2014 and the Honorary Citizen Award from Singapore in 2008. Ratan Tata passed away on October 9, last year, at the age of 86. At the time of his death, he was chairman of the Ratan Tata Trust and Dorabji Tata Trust, two of India’s largest private-sector-promoted philanthropic organisations.

Renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle has sparked cricket conversations worldwide by revealing his premier Test lineup for 2025. His selection highlights a shift toward high-impact players, featuring a balance of gritty traditionalists and aggressive stroke-makers. Notably, the XI, picked on cricbuzz, includes four Indian stars who anchored their team’s success throughout a busy calendar year.

Harsha Bhogle’s Test Team of the Year 2025

Stylish top order

The opening pair features a blend of technique and flair. KL Rahul secures his spot after a prolific year, amassing 813 runs in 19 innings at an average of 45.2, including three centuries. Partnering him is the unconventional Travis Head, who Bhogle praised for his match-winning cameos in the Ashes, including a vital 120 against the West Indies and consistent aggressive starts.

At number three is India’s Test captain Shubman Gill, who finished 2025 as a leading contender for Player of the Year. Gill’s staggering 983 runs, highlighted by five centuries and a mammoth 269 against England, made him an automatic choice.

Modern-day greats in the middle-order

The middle order is a “who’s who” of batting royalty. Joe Root continues his historic run, becoming the first player to cross 6,000 WTC runs. In 2025, he notched up massive scores, including a 150 against India. Following him is Steve Smith, whose twin centuries against Sri Lanka (131 and 141) early in the year proved he remains a master of the format.

Ravindra Jadeja slots in as the premier batting all-rounder. While his bowling was steady, his batting reached new heights in 2025, averaging 63.7 and striking five consecutive fifties during the tour of England.

Behind the stumps, Alex Carey earned his place with both gloves and bat. Carey enjoyed a career-best year with 743 runs at an average of 53, including a top score of 156. The lone specialist spinner is South Africa’s Simon Harmer, who terrorized lineups in late 2025, taking 21 wickets in just two Tests against India, including two separate six-wicket hauls.

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Ben Stokes and Steve Smith slam MCG pitch after 4th Test ends in two days

The pace battery: Fire and leadership

The bowling attack is led by Bhogle’s Test Player of the Year, Mitchell Starc. The left-armer enjoyed a “prime” year at age 35, taking 55 wickets at a remarkable average of 17.3. He is joined by Pat Cummins, who not only led Australia to the WTC Final but maintained an elite bowling average of 16.53 across his appearances. Bhogle also named Cummins as the captain of the team.

Rounding off the XI is Mohammed Siraj. The Indian pacer was rewarded for his tireless work ethic and a standout series against England where he claimed 23 wickets, often outperforming more senior peers through sheer persistence.

Harsha Bhogle’s Test Team of the Year 2025: KL Rahul, Travis Head, Shubman Gill, Steve Smith, Joe Root, Ravindra Jadeja, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Mohammed Siraj, Simon Harmer

Also READ: From Mitchell Starc to Dale Steyn: Top 5 bowlers with best strike-rates in a calendar year in Tests

England fast bowler Josh Tongue has described seeing his name etched on the honours board at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as “a pretty special feeling,” after producing a match-winning five-wicket haul in the fourth Test of Ashes 2025-26. The moment capped a remarkable performance on one of cricket’s biggest stages and marked a deeply personal milestone in Tongue’s journey.

For any visiting player, the MCG honours board carries almost mythical significance. For Tongue, who admits he once feared his career might end prematurely, seeing his name alongside greats of the game represented far more than just a statistical achievement.

Nerves, dreams and a five-wicket haul for Josh Tongue in Boxing Day Test

Tongue, the Player of the Match of the 4th Test against Australia, revealed that the emotions began early on Boxing Day morning. Waking up to the enormity of the occasion, he admitted to feeling “a few nerves,” fully aware of what was at stake in front of one of the largest crowds in world cricket.

Those nerves soon transformed into inspiration. Tongue tore through the Australian batting line-up to claim a five-for, a spell that played a decisive role in securing a famous England victory. The achievement also guaranteed his place on the MCG honours board, a lifelong ambition realised in unforgettable fashion.

“It’s what dreams are made of. Obviously waking up on Boxing Day, a few nerves but yeah, to get a fifer and get my name on the honours board, it’s a very special feeling,” Tongue said in post-match interview to Isa Guha.

95,000 cricket fans at MCG and a roaring Barmy Army

What made the achievement even sweeter was the backdrop. Around 95,000 fans packed into the MCG, creating an atmosphere Tongue described as “amazing.” Amid the sea of noise, the familiar chants of the Barmy Army rang out, lending vocal support to England’s charge.

Also WATCH: Josh Tongue stuns Steve Smith with unplayable delivery on Day 1 of Boxing Day Test | AUS vs ENG, Ashes 2025-26

Tongue said the energy from the stands fuelled him, making the experience feel surreal. “I can’t be happy enough,” he admitted, reflecting on being part of a Test-winning England side at such an iconic venue.

Beyond the wickets and the roar of the crowd lies a powerful comeback story. Tongue openly acknowledged that his MCG success felt even more meaningful given the battles he has faced off the field. A series of serious injuries had once left his future in doubt, with the bowler admitting he had been “potentially retiring” at one stage.

The road back was long and demanding, filled with rehabilitation, setbacks and uncertainty. But Tongue’s determination never wavered. “Playing for England is all that I’ve ever wanted to do,” he said, explaining why he pushed through the hardest moments.

Also READ: Ashes 2025/26 – Ben Stokes and Steve Smith slam MCG pitch after 4th Test ends in two days