Medical students across India are demanding a re-examination of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) 2024, citing concerns over alleged paper leaks, unexpected grace marks, and errors in this year’s results. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which administers the exam, addressed the issue of grace marks on Tuesday, stating that these were allotted to students who experienced a loss of exam time. However, this explanation has not satisfied many students, who consider it inadequate.
The NTA released the NEET UG results ahead of schedule on June 4, for over 2.4 million students, coinciding with the announcement of the 2024 general election results. This year's NEET produced an unusual outcome where sixty-seven students tied for All India Rank (AIR) 1, each scoring 99.997129%. Additionally, the cut-offs across all categories have seen an increase, raising further questions about the evaluation process.
This year’s NEET UG saw registrations from 1,029,154 males, 1,376,831 females, and 13 third-gender candidates. Of these, 547,036 males, 769,222 females, and 10 third-gender candidates qualified. Social media platforms have been rife with accusations of malpractices. One notable claim involved eight top students from a single center having consecutive roll numbers, which has heightened suspicions about the integrity of the results. A NEET educator even posted a video demanding transparency in the NTA’s marking scheme.
Despite the NTA's denial of paper leak allegations, the situation remains contentious. The Bihar police’s Economic Offences Unit arrested 13 individuals linked to a purported leak. Additionally, the NTA conducted a re-exam at a Rajasthan center where students had been given different question papers. Further irregularities were reported in Gujarat and Odisha. In one incident, a school teacher allegedly received ₹10 lakh from each of six NEET aspirants to assist them during the exam, with ₹7 lakh seized in advance payments.
The controversy has had tragic consequences. An 18-year-old aspirant from Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, died by suicide in Kota, Rajasthan, a day after the NEET-UG results were announced. This incident underscores the immense pressure and stress faced by students amid such allegations and uncertainties.
The NTA's measures to address the issues have not appeased the student community. The call for a re-examination is gaining momentum, with many students and educators demanding a more transparent and fair process. The NEET UG exam, a critical gateway for medical education in India, must uphold the highest standards of integrity and fairness to ensure the trust and confidence of all stakeholders.
As the debate continues, the education authorities are under immense pressure to address these concerns effectively. The outcomes of these deliberations will significantly impact not only the immediate future of the affected students but also the credibility of the NEET UG examination process in the years to come.