NEET 2024: Many skeletons in the cupboard

The NEET (National Eligibility and Entrance Test) UG, 2024 has been at the center of a raging controversy. Allegations of a question paper leak and the awarding of ‘grace marks’ to certain students have led to widespread criticism and demands for a thorough investigation. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has faced backlash, with calls for the resignation of its chief and a CBI probe into the matter.

The Ministry of Education  has rejected allegations of paper leak, stating that there was no evidence of it. Despite these claims, the NTA maintained that all procedures were fair and that the integrity of the examination process was upheld. The situation has escalated with reports of an alleged question paper leak at some exam centers before the test commenced on May 5, leading to arrests in connection with the case. The controversy has raised serious concerns about the transparency and fairness of the NEET examination process. It’s important to note that these are allegations and investigations are ongoing to determine the veracity of these claims. The outcome of these investigations will be crucial in addressing the concerns raised by students, parents, and educational institutions.

Student organizations took to streets in all states, protesting against the lapses in conduct of the national test. They staged protests outside the Ministry of Education. They are demanding a retest.

The NEET-UG examination, which is the gateway for admission to undergraduate-level medical courses in India, was conducted on May 5 across 571 cities in India. The results were declared on June 4 — the day Lok Sabha results were announced, ten days before the expected date. Out of 2.4 million applicants this year, 67 students secured full marks, out of which six toppers were found to be from the same centre.

Several allegations of the examination paper leak have also surfaced. To this end, the National Testing Agency (NTA) said it had constituted a four-member panel to look into the alleged discrepancies of ‘grace marks’ awarded to around 1,600 students.

The Congress party has demanded a fair investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court into the entire NEET scam.