The Central Government has announced that it will cancel the grace marks awarded to 1,563 NEET UG 2024 candidates due to irregularities during the exam, which has led to widespread protests and legal challenges.
Background on NEET UG Exam
The NEET UG exam, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is a crucial exam for students aspiring to study medicine (MBBS) in India. The 2024 exam saw around 24 lakh candidates participating on May 5, with results declared on June 5. However, significant controversies have arisen due to alleged discrepancies and irregularities.
Key Issues and Allegations
- Grace Marks Controversy:
- The NTA awarded grace marks to 1,563 candidates due to technical issues at six examination centers.
- This resulted in 44 out of 67 students achieving a perfect score of 720, raising suspicions of unfair advantages and potential paper leaks.
- High Number of Perfect Scores:
- The unprecedented number of perfect scores (67 students) fueled concerns about exam integrity.
- Critics argue that such high numbers are statistically improbable without some form of malpractice.
- Early Declaration of Results:
- The results were declared 10 days ahead of the scheduled date, coinciding with the Lok Sabha election results on June 5.
- This sudden announcement has led to suspicions about the validity and transparency of the results.
- Allegations of Paper Leaks:
- Reports and arrests in Bihar suggested that question papers were leaked and sold, adding to the controversy.
- The Bihar Police confirmed that several individuals were arrested in connection with the paper leak.
Supreme Court Involvement
In response to the allegations and subsequent petitions, the Supreme Court questioned the Central Government and the NTA about the irregularities. On Tuesday, the Court demanded an explanation for the discrepancies affecting the candidates’ results and the integrity of the examination process.
Government’s Response and Actions
The Central Government informed the Supreme Court that:
- The grace marks awarded to the 1,563 candidates will be cancelled.
- A retest will be offered to these candidates on June 23, with results to be declared on June 30.
- This decision aims to maintain the fairness and integrity of the examination process.
Counseling and Admission Process
The Supreme Court clarified that the counseling process for medical college admissions will not be halted. Students who qualify based on the revised results will proceed with the admission process as planned.
Conclusion
The cancellation of grace marks and the offer of a retest aims to address the fairness concerns raised by candidates and the public. However, the broader issue of exam integrity, particularly concerning allegations of paper leaks, remains a point of contention. The Central Government and the NTA are under scrutiny to ensure that future examinations are conducted transparently and fairly.
