Education Minister Admits to NEET UG 2024 Paper Leak Irregularities; Promises Reforms and Accountability

The NEET UG 2024 exam, held on May 5, saw participation from 23.3 lakh students, coinciding with the Lok Sabha elections. The results were released on June 4, with an unprecedented 67 students scoring full marks.

For the first time, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has publicly acknowledged irregularities in the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) UG 2024 paper leak case. On Sunday, June 16, Pradhan admitted that there were discrepancies in the NEET results and assured that any senior officials found complicit would face consequences. He emphasized the need for improvements within the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is responsible for conducting the examination.

Pradhan highlighted two primary irregularities: first, some students were allegedly given grace marks due to insufficient time; second, specific irregularities were identified at two examination centers. He assured students and parents that the government is taking these issues seriously.

The NEET UG 2024 exam, held on May 5, saw participation from 23.3 lakh students, coinciding with the Lok Sabha elections. The results were released on June 4, with an unprecedented 67 students scoring full marks. This anomaly raised suspicions and led to multiple petitions being filed across seven High Courts, including Delhi High Court, demanding an investigation into the alleged paper leak and irregularities. The Supreme Court is set to hear these combined petitions on July 8.

In a Supreme Court hearing on June 13, the NTA announced the cancellation of scorecards for 1,563 candidates who had received grace marks. These candidates will have to retake the exam on June 23, with results expected by June 30. A committee has been established to review the results of these candidates.

Protests have erupted nationwide, with students demonstrating against the examination results since March 4. The Congress-affiliated National Students' Union of India (NSUI) protested outside Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's residence in Delhi, demanding a CBI investigation. Similar protests have occurred in various parts of the country, with students calling for a re-examination.

In a related development, the Economic Offenses Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police has recovered six post-dated cheques, allegedly issued to the mafia in connection with the paper leak. EOU Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Manavjeet Singh Dhillon stated that over Rs 30 lakh was demanded from each candidate for access to the leaked question papers ahead of the NEET exam.

The unfolding scandal has cast a shadow over the credibility of the NEET examination process, prompting calls for stringent reforms and accountability within the NTA and related bodies.