📷 Image Credits: Indian Legal News
In the wake of widespread allegations of paper leak in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) undergraduate exam 2024, the Supreme Court has demanded timely action from the National Testing Agency (NTA). The vacation bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice SVN Bhatti made this statement while hearing a petition requesting the cancellation of the NEET exam conducted in May this year. The court emphasized the importance of addressing the issues raised and set a date for further proceedings. It was highlighted that the 2024 NEET exam has been marred by controversies, including concerns about the allocation of marks among candidates.
Furthermore, during a recent hearing, the Center informed the court about the provision for candidates who faced time constraints during the exam. These candidates will have the option to re-take the exam or forfeit grace marks previously awarded. Additionally, reports have surfaced indicating a disproportionately high number of candidates achieving perfect scores in the exam, raising further questions about the evaluation process.
The Supreme Court underscored the need for a comprehensive response from the NTA to address the allegations of malpractice and ensure fairness in the examination system. While the Center urged withholding judgment until a formal response is submitted, petitioners’ representatives emphasized the impact of potential irregularities on the students’ future prospects. They highlighted the necessity of upholding the integrity of the medical entrance exam to uphold standards in the healthcare profession.
In a separate development, the court issued notices to the Center and the NTA on a plea seeking the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2024 exams due to the alleged leak of question papers. While acknowledging the challenges posed by the situation, the court expressed a commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in the examination process. The plea raised concerns about the sanctity of the exam and called for appropriate measures to address the issues raised by the petitioners.
With the NEET-UG 2024 results declared on June 4, the judiciary’s scrutiny of the examination process reflects a commitment to upholding fairness and integrity in educational assessments. As the legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders are closely monitoring the developments to safeguard the interests of aspiring medical students and uphold the credibility of the examination system.
