The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2024, India’s critical medical entrance exam, has been marred by controversy. Allegations of a question paper leak, discrepancies in scoring, and a cheating scandal have raised serious concerns about the exam’s integrity.
Representational.
The Spark of Doubt
On May 5, 2024, the day of the NEET UG exam, social media erupted with claims of a question paper leak. Images of supposed exam questions circulated online, causing widespread panic among students and their families. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the exam, quickly denied these claims, asserting that all question papers were secure and the circulating images were “baseless.” However, an unusual pattern emerged: 67 students scored a perfect 720, but the next two candidates scored 719 and 718 marks, which seemed mathematically impossible according to the exam’s marking scheme.
Representational (Via X iamskwadhawan)
Representational (Via X iamskwadhawan)
One individual voiced their outrage: “NEET 2024 EXAM HAS BEEN A SCAM! I will explain everything in a thread. Online registrations for NEET UG 2024 started on February 9, 2024, and were extended until March 16. Everything seemed fine until that point.” The individual continued, highlighting a suspicious decision: “Suddenly, on April 9, the NTA decided to reopen online registrations for two days, from April 9 to 10, due to stakeholder requests. Why would you reopen registrations after doing it twice already? And why a whole month later?”
Representational (Via X iamskwadhawan)
Uneven Ground: Scoring Discrepancies and Protests
Students protest against the alleged irregularities in NEET UG 2024 results and demand re-examination, in Prayagraj on Saturday. (Via Hindustan Times)
When the NEET UG 2024 results were announced in June, many noticed unusually high scores among students. The NTA’s decision to give grace marks due to exam disruptions was also criticized for lacking transparency. These issues sparked protests across the country, with students demanding a re-test. The hashtag #NEETScam gained traction on social media, reflecting the growing unrest.
A Web of Deceit? The Alleged Cheating Ring
The controversy deepened with reports of a cheating ring in Gujarat. Authorities arrested several individuals, including a foreign education consultancy owner and a school teacher, who were allegedly involved in a scheme to secure high scores for students in exchange for money.
Legal Battles Commence: Petitions to the Supreme Court
Students and their supporters took their concerns to the Supreme Court and various High Courts, filing petitions to cancel the NEET UG 2024 exam and call for a re-test. These petitions challenged the integrity of the exam process, citing the alleged paper leak and scoring inconsistencies.
The Road Ahead: Seeking Clarity and Ensuring Fairness
The Supreme Court recognized the severity of the situation and issued a notice to the NTA. The NTA has formed a committee to review the grace marks decision. Despite ongoing legal scrutiny, the counselling process for NEET UG colleges continues.
The Fallout: Consequences and a Call for Reform
The controversy has eroded trust in the NEET UG exam system. It highlights the need for stronger security measures to prevent leaks and ensure transparent scoring processes. The alleged cheating ring underscores the necessity for strict vigilance and severe penalties for those attempting to undermine the exam’s integrity.
Latest Developments: Government Scraps Scores of 1,563 Candidates
In response to the controversy, the Centre informed the Supreme Court that the scores of 1,563 NEET UG 2024 candidates, who received grace marks for a wrong question, would be invalidated. These students are offered a re-test on June 23, with results to be announced on June 30. If they choose not to retake the test, their previous scores will stand, minus the grace marks.
The Centre reported that a committee had reviewed the situation on June 10-12 and recommended the cancellation of the affected scorecards, leading to the re-examination decision.
Supreme Court Stance and Counselling Schedule
The Supreme Court confirmed that the NEET UG 2024 counselling process would not be halted. The court stated that the counselling and exam processes would continue as planned, without interruption. The admissions counselling for MBBS, BDS, and other courses is set to begin on July 6, according to the Centre.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for NEET UG?
The NEET UG 2024 controversy has exposed significant flaws and raised important questions about the exam’s integrity. As India strives to ensure fairness for aspiring medical professionals, addressing these issues is crucial. The outcomes of the legal proceedings and the NTA’s internal review will shape the future of the exam. Comprehensive reforms and a commitment to transparency are essential to restoring trust in NEET UG.
1 Comment
Well drafted article with all pertinent points knitted intricately to form an interesting read.