NEET topper Panshul Bansal has expressed his reason for not appearing in the recent CJP (Central Joint Protest). He chose not to participate because he wanted to stay focused on his academic and future plans and study-oriented life and future.
After the protest, social media debates on why some high-ranking students, such as Bansal, weren’t present. Bansal said that he had nothing to do with and his decision was personal and not meant to be seen as support for or opposition to any particular group or movement.
In his statement he said he respects students’ right to express their concerns peacefully. But he said he felt that being at the demonstration was not the best way to contribute.
The CJP protest was attended by many students and aspirants who expressed concerns regarding examination-related issues and advocated for greater transparency and accountability. The protest received a lot of attention online with videos and pictures emerging on social media.
Bansal stated that every student has the freedom to decide how to respond to public issues. Some people want to participate in demonstrations, others may want to engage with people from different angles, such as talking to them, being in official statements or just studying and getting their education done.
Online, his reason has received mixed responses. Some felt his decision was right, and some thought that students shouldn’t be pushed into protesting if they don’t want to. But when issues affect a large group of students, public involvement is important, too, he said.
🔴 NEET TOPPER SAYS 'I CHOSE BOOKS OVER PROTESTS' 🤯
— Sumit (@beingsumit01) July 22, 2026
Q: Why didn't you join the NEET paper leak protests despite the nationwide outrage?
🎙️ Panchul: "I was upset about the paper leak, just like everyone else. But I felt God had given me an opportunity to improve my score.… pic.twitter.com/GN81l31HwM
With online media in the driver’s seat of public opinion, the incident is a further example of the effect social media is playing in shaping public opinion. Competition for recognition of a student in competitive exams is often seen as a public matter and many people are expecting that students take positions on social and educational issues.
Education experts say that academic achievers despite their public recognition are individuals with their own values and thoughts. Participation in protests is a personal choice protected by democratic values as long as demonstrations are peaceful and conducted in line with the law.
Meanwhile, the CJP protests have kept students, educators, and policymakers talking all the more. Students, teachers, and their advocates hope that we can have constructive dialogue and solutions to the issues raised in the demonstrations that have been expressed.
Panshul Bansal’s clarification is a reminder that not being at a protest does not necessarily signify indifference. Students can have a different contribution to society, if their beliefs are different, their responsibilities are different and so on.
