Supreme Court Demands Answers in NEET-UG 2024 Controversy
The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to the Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA) regarding a petition that calls for the annulment of the NEET-UG 2024 results due to allegations of paper leaks and score discrepancies. NEET-UG is a critical entrance exam for undergraduate medical courses, and its integrity is under scrutiny.
The Supreme Court emphasized to the NTA that the sanctity of the examination has been compromised and that explanations are necessary. Despite the ongoing investigation, Justices Vikram Nath and Ahsanuddin Amanullah confirmed that the counseling process for admissions would continue. The case is set for another hearing on July 8, alongside a similar plea filed before Chief Justice DY Chandrachud.
The petition, filed by students from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, seeks to cancel the results of the exam held on May 5, citing inconsistencies in scores and allegations of preferential treatment. The petitioners are advocating for a fresh examination.
Key points of the petition include claims of arbitrary distribution of grace marks without a transparent or defined rationale. The petitioners highlighted the statistically improbable distribution of perfect scores—720 out of 720—achieved by numerous students. A notable instance is that 67 students from a single coaching center scored the maximum marks, raising further concerns.
The petitioners also pointed out that a provisional answer key released by the NTA was contested by over 13,000 students who identified errors in the provided answers.
The plea stresses the importance of maintaining the integrity of medical entrance exams. It argues that cheating and unfair practices undermine the essential scientific and medical knowledge required in the field, potentially endangering patient lives. Additionally, the petition contends that such malpractices erode the principles of meritocracy and equal opportunity, perpetuating inequality by favoring those who can afford to engage in fraudulent activities over those who rely on their hard work and merit.
In a previous hearing on May 17, a similar plea was presented before a bench led by the Chief Justice. Although the court issued a notice, it did not halt the declaration of results.
In response to the controversy, the NTA has decided to form a high-powered committee to investigate the grievances of 1,600 students who have raised concerns about the exam.
This Supreme Court intervention underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need to preserve the integrity of competitive examinations. As the case progresses, it will determine the future handling of the NEET-UG 2024 results and establish measures to ensure fairness and transparency in such crucial exams.
The court’s directive reflects the widespread concern over maintaining the credibility of one of the most important exams for aspiring medical professionals in India. The decision to continue with counseling while addressing the issues raised in the petition indicates a balanced approach to handling the crisis without disrupting the academic calendar for thousands of students.
As the case moves forward, all eyes will be on the actions taken by the NTA and the outcomes of the Supreme Court’s decisions. This situation not only affects the immediate batch of students but also sets a precedent for how examination authorities will handle similar issues in the future. The establishment of a high-powered committee by the NTA is a step towards addressing the grievances and ensuring that such discrepancies do not recur.
The controversy surrounding NEET-UG 2024 has highlighted the need for stringent measures to maintain the integrity and fairness of competitive exams. Ensuring transparency in the examination process and addressing the concerns of all stakeholders will be crucial in restoring confidence in the system. As the legal proceedings continue, the resolution of this issue will be pivotal in shaping the future of medical entrance exams in India.