In 2024, the Supreme Court addressed several issues regarding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG, amidst allegations of paper leaks and irregularities. Here are the key highlights of the NEET case:
- Refusal to Order Re-Examination: The Supreme Court refused to order a re-examination, citing a lack of conclusive evidence indicating a systemic breach of the exam’s sanctity. The Court emphasized the significant consequences of such an action, including disrupting the admission schedule for over 24 lakh students and affecting the future availability of medical professionals.
- Paper Leak Confirmation: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) confirmed that a paper leak occurred at a center in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. Some of the involved gadgets were recovered and others destroyed, necessitating further investigation.
- Expert Committee Involvement: The Supreme Court directed the Director of IIT Delhi to form a three-member expert committee to review and provide an opinion on a disputed multiple-choice question in NEET-UG 2024, for which the National Testing Agency (NTA) had awarded marks for two options.
- Government and NTA’s Stance: The government and the NTA argued that there was no widespread cheating or abnormal score patterns that would justify a re-test. The NTA’s data analytics, conducted by IIT Madras, did not reveal any irregularities affecting the overall integrity of the exam.
- Petitioners’ Demands: Petitioners argued for a re-test, alleging that the leak affected the fairness of the exam. They pointed to increased syllabus changes and compromised transportation of question papers as additional issues. However, the Court held that these claims did not prove a systemic issue warranting a retest.
These judgments reflect the Court’s careful consideration of the balance between addressing potential irregularities and the broader impact on the educational system and students.
FAQ on the NEET Case 2024
What is the NEET case about?
The NEET case in 2024 revolves around allegations of paper leaks and irregularities during the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2024. Several petitions were filed seeking a re-examination due to these alleged issues.
What was the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the re-examination?
The Supreme Court refused to order a re-examination of NEET UG 2024. The Court found no conclusive evidence of a systemic breach that would justify such an action, which would have disrupted the admission schedule for millions of students.
Were there any confirmed irregularities?
Yes, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) confirmed a paper leak at a center in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. Some of the involved gadgets were recovered, while others were destroyed, necessitating further investigation.
What was the role of the expert committee?
The Supreme Court directed the Director of IIT Delhi to form a three-member expert committee to review and provide an opinion on a disputed multiple-choice question in NEET-UG 2024. This was due to controversy over the NTA awarding marks for two options of the same question.
What was the stance of the government and the National Testing Agency (NTA)?
The government and the NTA argued against the re-test, claiming that there were no widespread cheating or abnormal score patterns. The NTA’s data analytics, conducted by IIT Madras, did not reveal any irregularities affecting the overall integrity of the exam.
What did the petitioners argue?
The petitioners argued for a re-test, alleging that the paper leak and other issues compromised the fairness of the exam. They highlighted increased syllabus changes and compromised transportation of question papers as additional concerns.
What was the Supreme Court’s reasoning for refusing the re-examination?
The Supreme Court emphasized that a re-examination could only be ordered if the sanctity of the exam was significantly compromised. Given the lack of evidence of a widespread issue and considering the potential disruption to the academic calendar, the Court decided against it.
What are the broader implications of this case?
The decision underscores the Court’s approach to balancing the need for fairness in competitive exams with the practical implications of large-scale re-examinations. It also highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of the examination process through effective oversight and investigation.
Leave a Reply