NEET Result 2024 Controversy: Live Updates on Paper Leak, Result Scam, Re-Exam, Supreme Court Case, Unfair Grace Marks

 The entire medical education system including the students and institutions will be impacted by the ongoing NEET 2024 result controversy and increased cut-off score for MBBS admissions. Some of the impacts are higher competition for admission, and pressure from private and deemed universities offering medical courses, to name a few. 

Also Read: 5 Major Impacts on MBBS Admission on After NEET UG 2024 Cutoff Results

NEET 2024 counselling dates and information bulletin will soon be released on the CENTAC website after due approval of the government, says the official notification. Students are suggested to regularly visit the CENTAC i.e. NEET 2024 counselling website to get the information brochure and counselling dates.  

Also Read: NEET Counselling to be Held as per MCC Prescribed Dates: CENTAC

NTA has posted clarifications on the inaccuracy of a couple of viral videos alleging the invalidity of the claims.

Candidates are losing hope as the Supreme Court of India refused to put stay order on the NEET 2024 counselling process and gave the next hearing date on July 8, 2024, which is approximately a month away from now. 

 

As per media reports, the NEET 2024 question papers were leaked in Patna and candidates were made to memorise the questions and answers.

NTA has warned NEET 2024 candidates against a fake handle of NTA on social media platform Twitter, and has requested all to follow only the official website and social media account to avoid confusion and false or misleading information. Refer to the NTA 'X' post below. 

Also Read: NTA Alerts Students Against Fake Social Media Handle; Requests to Follow Official Account

 

NTA has released a list of FAQs on NEET 2024 result to answer questions raised regarding multiple toppers, grace/compensatory marking system, answer key challenge, OMR sheet display and paper leak.

Also Read: NEET 2024 Result Controversy: NTA Answers FAQs Regarding Multiple Toppers, Grace Marks and Paper Leak

National Students Union of India (NSUI) Dhubri, Assam, staged a protest against NTA demanding CBI inquiry on NEET 2024 result and re-conduct of NEET.

In case two or more candidates obtain equal marks/percentile scores in the NEET (UG) - 2024, the inter-se-merit shall be determined as follows: 

a. Candidate obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Biology (Botany & Zoology) in the Test, followed by,

b. Candidate obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Chemistry in the Test, followed by,  

c. Candidate obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Physics in the Test, followed by,  

d. Candidate with less proportion of the number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in all the subjects in the Test,  

e. Candidate with less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Biology (Botany & Zoology) in the Test, followed by  

f. Candidate with less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Chemistry in the Test, followed by  

g. Candidate with less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Physics in the Test,  

h. Application Number in ascending order.  

The last factor has been added later by NTA.

Till yesterday, students and stakeholders of NEET 2024 stood in support with Ayushi Patel, a test taker who claimed to have scored 715 out of 720 but did not receive her scorecard due to torn OMR sheet. NTA issued a statement about the allegations being completely false. Moreover, her actual NEET 2024 scorecard surfaced on the internet showing that she has scored 355, and not 715. Her act has been condemned by students.

The NEET 2024 result was declared exactly a week ago. It has been a whirlwind of events since then and it is continuing ever since. 

Aditya Kumar Panda, NEET 2024 AIR 1 is among the 67 candidates scoring a perfect 720. Shiksha.com brings the NEET 2024 topper interview of Aditya where he shares his preparation strategy and aspirations. Read the complete interview here on this page.

Also Read: Aditya Kumar Panda, NEET 2024 AIR 1 Topper Interview

The Supreme Court stated that the next hearing on the NEET 2024 cancellation case is on July 8, 2024, and the NEET 2024 counselling process will be conducted as per schedule. To this, certain stakeholders have commented that the counselling process should be stalled until a proper decision is taken on the NEET 2024 result controversies and paper leak. Check the related posts below. 

In other news, there is a mismatch in the marks received by a candidate in the NEET 2024 result and Board exam results. While the candidate has scored low in Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects, her score in NEET 2024 is 705. NEET 2024 candidates and stakeholders are finding this suspicious. 

The scorecard of NEET 2024 candidate Ayushi Patel, whose video alleging NTA of not generating her result and sharing torn OMR sheet photograph went viral, has surfaced on social media platforms. It can be seen that she scored 335 out of 720. While some candidates state that the scorecard is fake, Shiksha.com has verified its credibility. Readers can check the scorecard below.

The Supreme Court of India will next hear the case on July 8, 2024. The petition underscores concerns over the lack of transparency in the grace marks allocation and discrepancies in the provisional answer key, which have stirred apprehension among students and educators. The petitioners stress that upholding meritocracy and fairness is crucial for the credibility of the medical entrance exam system.

On the Supreme Court hearing dated June 11, 2024, on the NEET 2024 result row, the apex court refused to put a stay on the NEET 2024 counselling. This refers that MCC will conduct the counselling process as per schedule. However, the court has sought answers from NTA on the NEET 2024 paper leak.

Also Read: Supreme Court Demands Answers from NTA Over NEET UG 2024 Paper Leak

NTA, through a post on X, denied the allegations raised by a NEET 2024 candidate Ayushi Patel, claiming to have received a torn OMR sheet via email, and not received the NEET 2024 result due to that. Check NTA's post below.

Mridul Manya Anand, NEET 2024 AIR 1 has grabbed the top rank by scoring a perfect 720. Shiksha.com brings the NEET 2024 topper interview of Mridul Manya Anand where he shares his preparation strategy and advice to next year's NEET aspirants. Read the complete interview here on this page.

Also Read: Mridul Manya Anand NEET 2024 AIR 1 Topper Interview: Revision and Mock Tests Are Key to Success

According to an 'X' (formerly known as Twitter) user, the normalisation scheme, or the grace marks allotment system is not valid for medical entrance exams, according to an earlier Supreme Court judgment. Refer to the post below. 

Indian Medical Association Junior Doctors Network has demanded a CBI investigation against NEET 2024 result irregularities and demanded for a retest. 

Shiksha.com readers have shared their views and opinions on the news published related to the NEET 2024 controversy.

NEET 2024 candidates under the leadership of the NSUI President held protests and demonstrations in Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.

A group of students from the Students' Federation of India (SFI) gathered today at the Ministry of Education to protest against the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the alleged scam in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2024. This demonstration comes amidst growing concerns about the NTA's capability to conduct fair and secure examinations.

Also Read: SFI Protests at Education Ministry: Calls to Scrap NTA Over NEET UG 2024 Controversies

Several political leaders have extended their support for the NEET 2024 candidates who are crying foul against the results and demanding justice from NTA. Check the posts of top leaders from various political parties in India below.

Also Read: Political Leaders Demand Investigation Into NEET UG 2024 Scam Allegations

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the National Testing Agency's (NTA) decision to award grace marks to 1,563 students in the NEET (UG) 2024 exam. Petitioners argue that the compensatory marks granted for loss of time via the normalisation formula are arbitrary

Also Read: Petition Filed Over NTA's Controversial Grace Marks in NEET UG 2024

The following post shares a quote by Dr MC Mishra, former Director, AIIMS Delhi.

With a high number of NEET 2024 toppers, it is difficult for candidates with scores in the range of 600 to 700 to get a good college.

After observing the anomalies in the NEET 2024 result and scorecard, some students and stakeholders questioned NTA. Sample some social media posts below.

 

NTA has released a detailed press release, which sheds light on the NEET 2024 result controversy. Students and stakeholders have questioned the integrity and credibility of NTA’s conduct of the exam and result computing process. Read NTA’s clarification on each of the questions.

Read More: NEET 2024 Result Controversy: NTA Clarification on Scoring System, Answer Key Challenge and Unfair Means

The NEET 2024 paper leak controversy was ignited when as many as 67 candidates scored full marks and AIR 1 in the exam. Moreover, two candidates scored 718 and 719 out of 720, which is not possible as per the marking scheme. Even though NTA clarified both matters, students and stakeholders are still demanding a probe and have requested Prime Minister and the Education Ministry to investigate these anomalies.

Also Read: NEET UG 2024 Results Controversy: Students Demand Action from PM and Education Ministry

NTA has assured candidates that the time taken by the Grievance Redressal Committee to review the NEET 2024 result will not impact the admission schedule. 

State Governments of Maharashtra and Kerala have demanded the cancellation of NEET 2024 exam and reconducting of the test. 

According to NTA, the recommendations of the NEET 2024 committee reviewing the result anomalies will be out by next week.

When asked why the NEET 2024 grace marks scheme was not mentioned in the information bulletin, NTA did not have a proper justification. However, NTA DG stated that the information will be included in next year's NEET information bulletin, and will also ensure that the invigilators and other staff are better trained. 

Not all candidates are in favour of re-NEET 2024. For them, it will add to the stress if going through the same ordeal again. 

Amid distress on the NEET 2024 result controversy, certain students or social media users have shared memes to lighten up the mood.

NEET 2024 candidates are holding protests and demonstrations against NTA across the country. They are demanding re-NEET and proper clarification from NTA regarding the irregularities. 

NTA has set up a four-member committee to address the concerns. NTA DG Subodh Kumar Singh said, "We have thoroughly analysed all aspects and declared the results. Issues were confined to six centres out of 4,750, affecting only 1,600 out of 24 lakh candidates. The overall integrity of the exam was maintained nationwide, and our review found no evidence of a paper leak."

The following table brings the NEET cutoff marks of the past few years.

Dr Syed Faizan Ahmad, National Vice President of the All India Medical Students' Association (AIMSA), has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged paper leak and other irregularities in the NEET exam. "We want proper CBI enquiry for the NEET exam paper leak," said Dr Ahmad.

There are 67 candidates with full marks this year. However, 44 of these 67 are attributed to revision of one Physics Answer Key, for which now two options have been taken as correct.

The NEET 2024 pass marks or the NEET 2024 cutoff marks are given in the table below.

Regarding the declaration of NEET UG Results on 4th June 2024 instead of 14th June 2024 as announced in the Information Bulletin, NTA has taken a position that since the results were ready by June 4, 2024, there was no reason to delay the announcement by another ten days. Moreover, NTA has been working towards improving the result declaration time from year to year. As regards the NEET cutoffs, they vary depending on the relative performance of candidates.

According to some, the NTA press conference on the NEET 2024 result failed to answer some pertinent questions. Here are some of the reactions.

As the NEET 2024 result controversy escalated, courts intervened in the matter. The Calcutta High Court has demanded a response from the National Testing Agency (NTA) regarding alleged irregularities in the examination process. A division bench comprising Justices Apurba Sinha Ray and Kaushik Chanda is examining a public interest litigation (PIL) that questions the awarding of 718 or 719 marks to certain candidates. The court has ordered the NTA to file an affidavit within ten days explaining the discrepancies and how the reservation policies were followed in preparing the merit list.

The Delhi High Court is hearing a petition challenging the NTA's decision to grant grace marks. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma has granted the NTA additional time to gather instructions on the issue, with the case scheduled for further examination on Wednesday.

A group of candidates has approached the Supreme Court, demanding fresh exams due to alleged paper leaks and concerns about the test's integrity. The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for July 8.

Also Read: NEET-UG 2024 Results Controversy Escalates: Courts Intervene

The Indian Medical Association's Junior Doctors' Network (IMA-JDN) has formally raised concerns regarding the NEET-UG 2024 examination by sending a letter to Prof. Pradeep Kumar Joshi, Chairperson of the National Testing Agency (NTA). The letter outlines several alleged irregularities and discrepancies observed in the recently conducted NEET examination, seeking proper clarification.

Also Read: IMA Junior Doctors’ Network Raises Concerns Over NEET-UG 2024 Irregularities

NTA said that 1,563 students were awarded grace marks in NEET 2024. Among these students, 790 managed to pass due to the grace marks, while the remaining either received negative marks or did not pass. NTA further stated that awarding grace marks to affected students has not impacted the overall NEET 2024 result.

NTA mentioned that candidates from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Chhattisgarh complained about issues such as loss of time, wrong distribution of Question Papers, torn OMRs in some cases etc.

NTA conducted a press conference today, June 8, 2024, to address all queries and concerns regarding the NEET 2024 result. The NTA confirmed that the integrity of the NEET UG exam remains intact nationwide, and a re-exam will not be conducted for the 25 lakh students who participated. The decision comes after careful consideration of the overall examination process, ensuring that the integrity and fairness of the exam were maintained throughout. A committee has been set up to scrutinize the grace marks awarded to 1,563 candidates. This committee will thoroughly review the circumstances under which these marks were given. Based on the committee's findings, the results of these students may be altered, or a re-exam may be conducted specifically for them.

Also Read: NTA Confirms No Re-exam for 25 Lakh NEET UG 2024 Students, Forms Committee for Grace Marks Review

NTA mentioned that only one question was challenged for NEET 2024. As per the resolution, two answer key options were correct, hence, all candidates who attempted the question and marked any of the correct answer options were given full marks.  

NTA stated, "Regarding high number of perfect scorers, i.e. 720/720, it has been found that there are 67 candidates with full marks this year. However, 44 of these 67 are attributed to revision of one Physics Answer Key, for which now two options have been taken as correct."

Around eight NEET 2024 toppers from a single centre in Bahadurgarh, Haryana sparked controversies. NTA said that it has investigated the matter and nothing suspicious was found. 

NTA stated four members are in the NEET 2024 Grievance Redressal Committee. 

NTA has indicated that chances are low that NTA will conduct re-NEET. However, the final decision will be based on the recommendations of the NEET 2024 grievance redressal committee. 

To answer the question about why the NEET 2024 result was announced in advance, NTA stated that the result was declared as soon as it was ready. "There was no other intention to hide any malpractice. NTA has released the results of JEE Main 2024 first phase within 11 days, so it is nothing unusual. The date mentioned earlier was an indication of when to expect the NEET 2024 result," stated NTA DG Subodh Kumar Singh. 

NTA stated that as many as 1,600 candidates have raised complaints, which will be investigated and addressed within one week, so that the counselling or the admission schedule is not hampered. 

NTA has not mentioned the NEET 2024 grace marks formula. The marks vary from candidate to candidate. The criteria taken into consideration were the amount of loss of time, the efficiency of candidates, average speed of candidates, and other areas not revealed by NTA.

NTA stated that the NEET 2024 Grievance Redressal Committee is examining all the complaints or the issues submitted regarding the result controversy. The authorities have already taken actions and will take necessary measures if proven. 

Answering question on why so many NEET 2024 toppers appeared from a same centre, Subodh Kumar Singh said that NTA investigated the centre details and it was found out that the number of candidates was higher in that centre. Moreover, the average quality of candidates was higher, which led to generating multiple toppers from a particular centre. 

The NEET 2024 press conference is in progress. Subodh Kumar Singh, Director General, NTA reiterated that NEET 2024 has been conducted with full integrity.

The Ministry of Education has announced to conduct a press conference today 2 PM onwards to address the questions raised regarding NEET 2024 result.

According to NTA, a few Writ Petitions filed by the candidates of NEET 2024 before the High Court of Punjab & Haryana, Delhi, and Chhattisgarh, raising concerns of loss of exam time during the conduct of the exam at a few exam centres, NTA decided to award grace marks to such candidates to compensate the loss of time.

Right after the declaration of the NEET 2024 result, students and stakeholders raised their voices against the irregularities. Sample some of the social media below.

 

 

Answering the question on how some candidates can get 718 or 719, NTA said that they considered these cases and implemented the normalization formula, as per the Hon'ble Apex Court's judgment dated June 13, 2018. This formula was used to ascertain the loss of examination time and provide affected candidates with grace marks. Consequently, candidate scores could reflect unusual totals, such as 718 or 719.

As per the NEET 2024 marking scheme, each correct answer fetches four marks and for each wrong answer, there is a negative marking of one mark. Hence, if a candidate gives correct answer to all 180 questions, he/she will get 720 marks. If one marks correct answer to 179 questions, he/she will get 716 marks. And if he attempted all 180 questions with one wrong answer, then the marks will be 715. Hence, scoring 719 or 718 is technically impossible. 

While it is not impossible to score full marks in NEET, but as many as 67 candidates getting 720 out of 720 is unusual. This is one of the reasons behind the NEET result 2024 controversy. 

The NEET 2024 result was declared on June 4, 2024. The result was declared 10 days in advance. This raised the initial doubts among candidates. This date also happened to be the Lok Sabha 2024 Election result declaration date.

Also Read: NEET 2024 Result Released at exams.nta.ac.in/NTA: Steps to Download NEET 2024 Scorecard