NEET-UG Re-Examination Witnesses Low Turnout with 750 Candidates Absent

New Delhi, 24th June 2024 – The re-examination for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) saw a significant absenteeism with 750 out of 1,563 candidates failing to appear on Sunday (23rd June). The re-examination was necessitated due to exam malpractice concerns following the initial results. Only 813 candidates participated in the re-test.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated its investigation with the registration of an FIR based on a complaint from the Ministry of Education (India). The FIR, filed against unidentified persons, includes charges under IPC sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property). The CBI has formed two special teams operating from Patna and Godhra for the investigation, following the central government’s assignment on Saturday night.

Earlier, Subodh Kumar Singh, the Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA), was removed from his position at 9 pm on Saturday and replaced by Pradip Singh Kharola. The re-examination, held at 2 pm on Sunday, was specifically for candidates who received grace marks in the NEET-UG results. Despite two designated examination centers in Chandigarh, no candidates appeared for the exam.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Health Minister JP Nadda, and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for their swift actions in response to the NEET-UG exam controversies. They also welcomed the Ministry of Education’s decision to transfer the investigation of the malpractice to the CBI and to appoint a new Director General of NTA.

This development underscores ongoing concerns and responses surrounding the integrity of the NEET-UG examination process.