The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a notice to the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the central government following a plea alleging irregularities and fraudulent practices in the conduct of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2024. The court emphasized that even a minuscule negligence of 0.001% should be thoroughly investigated and addressed. The plea advocates for a re-examination to ensure that medical school admissions are granted solely to deserving students.
The Supreme Court highlighted the dedication and hard work of students preparing for these exams, stressing the severe implications of any compromise in the examination process. “Imagine the implications if doctors are trained under questionable circumstances,” the court warned, urging the Centre and NTA to take a proactive stance on petitions challenging the examination process, and advocating for transparency and swift rectification of any shortcomings. The matter is set for further hearing on July 8.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, during a visit to Sambalpur in Odisha on Sunday, assured strong actions against any NTA functionaries found involved in irregularities. Preliminary information revealed two types of irregularities: grace marks were awarded to some students who complained of having less time than prescribed. The government has since disapproved the grace marks and ordered a re-examination for 1,563 students as per the Supreme Court’s directive.
Additional wrongdoings have also been identified in two locations. Minister Pradhan reassured students and parents of the government’s serious stance on the issue, promising thorough investigations and strict actions against any culprits, including senior NTA officials.
The minister also called for comprehensive reforms in the NTA’s functioning, despite it being an autonomous institution. “The government is concerned about this. I want to reassure that no culprit will be spared, strict action will be taken against them,” he added.
The NEET-UG, the gateway for undergraduate medical course admissions in India, was conducted on May 5 at 4,750 centers across 571 cities in India. Results were declared on June 4, following which parents and teachers began questioning the grace marks awarded to 1,563 students.
