SHILLONG: The Supreme Court has taken cognizance of a plea highlighting irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2024, issuing a notice to the National Testing Agency (NTA) for its response by July 8.
Expressing concerns over the apparent compromise of NEET 2024’s integrity, the apex court has directed the NTA to furnish explanations regarding the alleged irregularities.
The plea, filed by a consortium of students and parents, alleges various discrepancies in the conduct of the examination, encompassing issues with the question paper and the evaluation process.
The petitioners have urged for a comprehensive investigation and a re-evaluation of the results.
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The outcome of this case holds significant importance for the thousands of students who appeared for NEET 2024 and the medical education community at large.
In the Northeast, discrepancies in the conduct of the NEET exams emerged in West Jaintia Hills’ Jowai and Ri Bhoi’s Nongpoh, where candidates allegedly received incorrect question papers.
Despite assurances from Chief Minister Conrad Sangma of escalating concerns to the central agency, stakeholders await a formal response from the NTA.
Several pressure groups and student unions in the state have been advocating for a re-examination amidst mounting dissatisfaction over the irregularities.
The NTA’s reluctance to entertain a re-examination in light of emerging discrepancies has invited criticism, casting doubts on the agency’s commitment to addressing candidate grievances and ensuring transparency in the process.
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Earlier, on June 9, the NTA acknowledged allegations of mark inflation and exam inconsistencies.
As a response, the Ministry of Education constituted a four-member panel to scrutinise the grace marks awarded to over 1,500 candidates.
NTA Director General Subodh Kumar Singh announced the formation of the committee, led by a former UPSC chairman, with a mandate to deliver recommendations within a week.
Regarding the possibility of a re-conducted exam for certain students, Singh highlighted that decisions would hinge on the committee’s findings.
