NEET-UG 2024 Exam Integrity Under Scrutiny; Supreme Court Mulls Action
New Delhi, 8th July 2024: The Supreme Court convened on Monday to address over 30 petitions concerning the NEET-UG 2024 medical entrance exam. These included pleas alleging irregularities and advocating for a re-test following reported issues such as paper leaks, OMR sheet manipulation, impersonation, and cheating.
Representatives for the petitioners argued for cancellation of the exam, citing concerns about compromised integrity. The Supreme Court acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing the need to preserve the exam’s sanctity. It remarked that if the leak compromised the exam’s fairness, a re-test would be necessary.
The court highlighted challenges in identifying those responsible for the leak, particularly through social media platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. It also noted anomalies in the results, including an unprecedented number of perfect scores.
CJI D Y Chandrachud underscored the seriousness of the situation, stating, “We are dealing with the lives and careers of 23 lakh students.” The court requested detailed information on the extent of the leak, actions taken against beneficiaries, and their geographic distribution.
Concerns were raised about accountability and transparency in addressing the leak, with the court suggesting the involvement of cyber forensic units and artificial intelligence to identify wrongdoers. It directed the CBI to provide an investigation report and sought clarification from the NTA on the timing and handling of the exam in light of the leak.
A hearing has been scheduled for July 11 to further address these issues. The Centre and NTA defended the exam’s continuation, asserting that cancelling it without substantial evidence of widespread breaches would harm honest candidates.
NEET-UG, conducted by the NTA, determines admissions to medical and dental courses across India. Allegations of malpractice, including leaks, have sparked protests and political debates, prompting responses from authorities to address concerns and revise rankings where necessary.
