NEET UG 2024: Allegations of Irregularities Spark Protests and Demands for Action

Randeep Singh Surjewala, a prominent Congress leader, has joined the chorus of voices calling for the scrapping of the NEET exam and its reconduction. Surjewala highlighted several key issues, suggesting that the results may have been manipulated.

In the wake of the NEET UG 2024 results, which saw an unprecedented 67 candidates scoring a perfect 720/720, widespread protests have erupted across India. NEET aspirants, along with their parents and various stakeholders, have raised serious concerns about potential irregularities in the examination process.

NEET Protests and Political Support

On June 7, a significant protest took place in Kanpur, with NEET aspirants demanding answers from the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Modi government. The protesters chanted slogans like "NTA तेरी तानाशाही नहीं चलेगी" ("NTA, your tyranny won't continue"). Randeep Singh Surjewala, a prominent Congress leader, has joined the chorus of voices calling for the scrapping of the NEET exam and its reconduction. Surjewala highlighted several key issues, suggesting that the results may have been manipulated.

Key Allegations

Unprecedented Number of Perfect Scores: Surjewala pointed out the improbability of 67 candidates achieving perfect scores in a single year, compared to much lower numbers in previous years. He questioned the possibility of so many students answering every question correctly despite the negative marking scheme.

Grace Marks Controversy: According to Surjewala, 44 of the 67 toppers received grace marks due to an error in the provisional answer key. This has raised doubts about the reliability and validity of the examination process.

Suspicious Exam Center Results: It was reported that multiple top scorers came from the same exam center in Faridabad, Haryana, which had experienced disruptions during the exam. This led to suspicions about the integrity of the examination process at that center.

Increased Cut-off Marks: The cut-off marks for government medical colleges have significantly increased, putting additional pressure on students from poor and middle-class backgrounds. This change has made it harder for students scoring below 660 to secure affordable medical education.

Sudden Result Announcement: The NEET results were announced earlier than scheduled, coinciding with the parliamentary election results, which many believe was an attempt to divert attention from the controversy.

Tragic Consequences: There have been reports of student suicides linked to the NEET results, further emphasizing the pressure and stress caused by the examination process.

NTA's Clarifications

In response to these allegations, the NTA issued several statements:

Normalization Formula: The NTA explained that grace marks were awarded to compensate for lost time during disruptions at certain exam centers, based on a normalization formula approved by the Supreme Court.

Increased Number of High Scorers: The agency attributed the rise in perfect scores to a 15% increase in the number of candidates and adjustments in the answer key based on multiple correct answers.

Transparency Measures: The NTA asserted that it had maintained transparency throughout the exam process and that no paper leak had occurred. They acknowledged instances of impersonation and assured that appropriate legal actions were being taken.

Final Results and Challenges: The NTA mentioned that challenges to the provisional answer key were thoroughly reviewed, leading to the awarding of grace marks in specific cases.

Calls for Further Investigation

Despite the NTA's clarifications, the controversy continues to simmer, with calls for an independent investigation gaining momentum. Dr. Rohan Krishnan, President of the FAIMA Doctors Association, has publicly requested a CBI inquiry into the matter.

As protests and demands for accountability persist, the future of NEET UG 2024 and the integrity of India's medical entrance examinations remain under intense scrutiny. The Modi government and the NTA are under pressure to address these concerns transparently and ensure a fair resolution for the millions of students affected.

Read more:

• NEET UG 2024 Results Controversy: Students Demand Action from PM and Education Ministry
• NTA Clarifies NEET UG 2024 Exam Time Loss Compensation, Announces Results
• NEET UG 2024 Topper: Despite a severe lung condition, Divyansh scores a perfect 720