The NEET-UG exam held on May 5 with over 24 lakh candidates has recently become the centre of controversy following the early release of its results.
Early Release of Results
Originally scheduled for release on June 14, the results were unexpectedly made available on June 4 that resulted in sparking widespread debate and confusion among the candidates and stakeholders.
Allegations of Paper Leak
Regarding allegations of a NEET paper leak, the NTA firmly dismissed these claims as "completely baseless and without any ground." They emphasized that every question paper had been "accounted for" and that the images circulating on social media reflect no resemblance to the actual exam papers.
"The social media posts alleging a paper leak are entirely unfounded," stated the NTA, referencing their security protocols and Standard Operating Procedures which confirmed the integrity of the exam.
Incident in Rajasthan
The NTA did acknowledge an isolated incident at a center in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, where students forcibly took question papers before the exam concluded. The images of these papers are being erroneously linked to the leak allegations. The NTA described this incident as "mischievous and preposterous." On June 8, the NTA announced that the Education Ministry had established a four-member panel to review the grace marks awarded to over 1,500 candidates. This review aims to ensure fairness and transparency in the scoring process.
The NTA's prompt responses and the formation of a review panel reflect their commitment to maintaining the integrity of the NEET-UG exam. Despite the controversies, the agency continues to uphold rigorous standards to ensure a fair assessment process for all candidates.
Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai has clarification
In light of recent allegations surrounding the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) results and a potential paper leak, Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai has clarified the situation. Speaking at a press conference in Chennai, Annamalai emphasized that the issue lies with the National Testing Agency (NTA) and not the NEET examination itself.
Examination Irregularities and Arrests
During his address, Annamalai highlighted the ongoing concerns with the NEET exam. He pointed out that there have been arrests related to the NEET issue in states like Gujarat, Bihar, and Delhi. Specific allegations include the leaking of the exam paper and the awarding of grace marks to 1,563 candidates.
Assurance from the Education Minister
Annamalai also mentioned that the Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan has provided assurances regarding these issues. According to Annamalai, the minister has stated that there is no inherent problem with the NEET exam itself rather, the issues arise from the conduct of the NTA.
Steps Towards Resolution
Reaffirming his stance, Annamalai noted that a significant number of students from Tamil Nadu, specifically 89,426, have successfully passed the NEET examination. He conveyed the Union minister's commitment to addressing any mistakes and malpractices, ensuring that those involved will face consequences. If necessary, a re-examination will be conducted to maintain the integrity of the process.
The controversy surrounding the NEET-UG examination highlights the importance of a robust and transparent examination system. While the allegations are serious, the assurances from the Education Minister and the proactive stance taken by officials like K Annamalai suggest a commitment to resolving these issues and upholding the fairness of the examination process.
Supreme Court's Stern Warning to the Centre and NTA on NEET-UG 2024
- Supreme Court's Directive: On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a strong warning to the Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA) concerning the conduct of the NEET-UG 2024 exam. The court emphasized that any form of negligence, no matter how minor, must be addressed with utmost seriousness. "If there is 0.001 per cent negligence on the part of anyone, it should be thoroughly dealt with," stated a vacation bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti. They also noted that these issues should not be approached as adversarial litigation, but rather as serious matters requiring careful attention.
- Concerns Raised by Aspirants: Aspirants of the NEET-UG 2024 exam have brought forward several concerns. These include the leakage of the question paper, the awarding of compensatory marks, and various irregularities in the exam questions. These issues have raised significant worries about the integrity and fairness of the examination process.
Supreme Court's Response to Allegations
In response to the allegations of paper leaks and other malpractices, the Supreme Court, during a hearing on May 5 this year issued notices and requested a detailed response from the NTA within two weeks. The court's swift action emphasizes the importance it places on maintaining the credibility of the NEET-UG exam which is a crucial gateway for medical aspirants in India.
The Supreme Court's intervention highlights the critical need for transparency and diligence in the administration of national exams like NEET-UG. As the court awaits the NTA's response, it remains vigilant in ensuring that any lapses are promptly and effectively addressed, thereby safeguarding the interests of the aspirants and upholding the standards of the examination process.
NEET-UG 2024 Controversy: Supreme Court Set to Hear Petitions
- Allegations of Paper Leak and Malpractice: The Supreme Court has scheduled several petitions for a hearing on July 8, 2024. These petitions, filed by multiple individuals have requested the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2024 results and demand a re-examination. The petitioners claim that the exam that was held on May 5, 2024, was full of lacunae by paper leaks and other malpractices.
- NTA's Response to the Allegations: In response to these allegations, the National Testing Agency (NTA) informed the Supreme Court last week that it plans to cancel the scorecards of 1,563 candidates. These candidates were initially awarded "grace marks" to compensate for time lost during the exam. The NTA announced that these students would be given another opportunity to retake the exam.
New Exam Date Announced
The NTA stated that the retake exam is scheduled for June 23, 2024 with the results expected to be released before June 30, 2024. This decision aims to ensure fairness and integrity in the examination process.
Supreme Court's Decision on Counselling
Despite these developments, the Supreme Court has decided not to stop the ongoing counselling process for NEET-UG 2024. This decision emphasises the court's intention to maintain the academic schedule while addressing the concerns raised by the petitioners. The upcoming hearing on July 8, 2024 will be crucial in determining the next steps for the NEET-UG 2024 examination and the affected candidates.
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