NEET UG, UGC NET Exam Scandal: Committee Led by Ex-ISRO Chief to Meet Today, Check Crucial Developments

NEW DELHI: A seven-member high-level committee has been formed by the Centre to oversee transparency and examine the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA), according to sources at the Education Ministry. This committee is set to meet today to address these issues. Led by former ISRO chairman Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, the committee will focus on making recommendations for reforms in the examination process, enhancing data security protocols, and evaluating the overall structure and functioning of the NTA.
"In an expedited action, the panel will have its first meeting tomorrow (Monday). The committee is slated to submit its report within two months. The reforms that recommended will be implemented by the next exam cycle. The panel will also look into the exam calendar and make suggestions," a source said, according to the PTI.
READ ALSO: Only 813 of 1,563 who got gracemarks take NEET-UG re-exam
The NTA, responsible for conducting the NEET-UG exams, has been under scrutiny due to alleged irregularities in the exam process. These allegations have sparked protests across the country, with many calling for the disbandment of the NTA. Concerns were heightened when an unprecedented 67 candidates achieved perfect scores, prompting further questions about the integrity of the examination process.
In response to these allegations, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a criminal case on Sunday and formed special teams to probe the matter. The CBI's investigation is focused on "isolated incidents" reported in several states during the NEET (UG) 2024 examination held on May 5, 2024. Despite these accusations, the NTA has maintained that its website and web portals are fully secure, dismissing claims of security breaches as "wrong and misleading." The high-level committee is expected to submit its report to the Ministry of Education within the next two months.
READ ALSO: CBI to probe into alleged irregularities in NEET-UG exam
The prestigious medical and academic entrance exams, NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test), have been embroiled in controversy since May 2024. Allegations of irregularities in NEET UG, including paper leaks and questionable marking practices, sparked outrage and protests across the country. This turmoil culminated in the re-test of NEET UG for affected students and the postponement of NEET PG and UGC NET June 2024 exams.
The NEET UG saga began with the announcement of results in June 2024. An unprecedented number of students (67) scoring a perfect 720 out of 720, coupled with reports of paper leaks in Bihar, raised serious concerns about the exam's integrity. The situation intensified when students highlighted inconsistencies in marking and the awarding of grace marks. This led to demands for a re-test and a complete overhaul of the NTA, the body responsible for conducting NEET. The authorities responded by re-conducting the exam for over 1500 students at select centers, with stricter measures in place to ensure transparency. However, this hasn't quelled the discontent. Calls for scrapping NEET altogether and reforming the medical education system continue to gain momentum.
READ ALSO: Months of preps in vain, NEET-PG aspirants upset
Adding fuel to the fire, the NEET PG exam scheduled for June 23rd, 2024, was abruptly postponed just hours before the commencement. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare cited the ongoing controversy surrounding NEET UG and the need for a "thorough assessment" of the examination processes as the reason behind this decision. This last-minute postponement caused immense stress and anxiety among students who had meticulously prepared for the exam. The announcement left them scrambling to adjust their study schedules and manage their careers, creating significant uncertainty.
Similarly, the UGC NET June 2024 exam also faced the axe due to concerns about the integrity of competitive examinations. This move impacted aspirants seeking lectureships and research positions in universities across India. The lack of clarity regarding the rescheduled dates for both NEET PG and UGC NET has further exacerbated the situation.
(With inputs from PTI)