SHILLONG: In response to the strong demand for a re-test for NEET-UG aspirants from Meghalaya, the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the examination in the state on Sunday.
However, only just over half of the eligible students participated. The retest, held in Tura, saw 234 students appear for the examination out of an eligible 464.
The re-test followed the NTA’s decision to retract grace marks previously awarded to 1563 students who faced delays at the start of their examinations in six centres spread across Meghalaya, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Chandigarh.
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The result of the re-test is expected to be announced before June 30, offering a second chance for those who appeared.
The call for a re-test gained momentum on June 20, when ten NEET aspirants from the state took their grievances to the Supreme Court, citing discrepancies in the original examinations.
Previously, in view of the grievances of the NEET aspirants in the state, Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, had flagged irregularities at the Jowai and Nongpoh centres to the NTA.
Despite the Chief Minister’s efforts to seek clarity from the NTA, the agency allegedly did not respond to the state government’s queries, leading the Meghalaya government to support the affected students in filing a petition with the Supreme Court.
The low turnout for the re-test, however, reflects a broader uncertainty and apprehension among students.
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As the state awaits the results, the focus remains on ensuring that the concerns of the students are addressed and that the integrity of the examination process is upheld.
Meanwhile, in a swift response to mounting concerns over alleged irregularities in competitive exams, the Centre has dismissed National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General Subodh Singh with immediate effect.
Additionally, the investigation into the NEET-UG exam held on May 5 has been referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Addressing the situation on Saturday, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accepted responsibility for the oversight and acknowledged the “institutional failure”.
