NEET UG 2024 Controversy: Timeline of Events and Major Developments

This NEET UG 2024 timeline provides a detailed account of the key events and responses from authorities, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address the issues and ensure the integrity of the examination process.

The NEET UG 2024 examination has been embroiled in controversy following allegations of paper leaks, irregularities, and time losses during the exam. Students, parents, and various stakeholders have voiced concerns, leading to court cases, protests, and demands for government intervention. This timeline provides a detailed account of the key events and responses from authorities, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address the issues and ensure the integrity of the examination process.

NEET UG 2024 Controversy Timeline

June 4, 2024: NEET UG Result Declared

The National Testing Agency (NTA) declares the NEET UG 2024 results on its official website. Students can download their scorecards using application numbers and passwords or dates of birth. The result link is activated at exams.nta.ac.in/NEET.

June 5, 2024: NTA Responds to Time Loss Representations

The NTA addresses representations and court cases about time loss during the NEET UG 2024 exam, held on May 5, 2024. Candidates had raised concerns about disruption leading to potential disadvantages. The NTA announces the implementation of a normalization formula, based on the Supreme Court's judgment from June 13, 2018, to provide grace marks to affected candidates, which could result in scores like 718 or 719.

June 6, 2024: NEET UG 2024 Results Controversy - Demands for Action

Allegations of paper leaks emerge, leading to demands for clarification from the NTA. Parents, students, and stakeholders question the legitimacy of the results. The announcement of results shows 67 students scoring All India Rank 1, with around a dozen from the same exam center, and several students scoring 718 and 719 out of 720, causing widespread concern about the exam's integrity. Prominent voices urge the Prime Minister and Education Ministry for a fair re-conduct of the examination.

June 7, 2024: Protests Erupt Over Alleged Irregularities

Protests occur in Kanpur and other regions, with NEET aspirants and stakeholders questioning the results and demanding a fair investigation. The protesters chant slogans like "NTA तेरी तानाशाही नहीं चलेगी" ("NTA, your tyranny won't continue").

June 8, 2024: Courts Intervene in Results Controversy

The Calcutta High Court and Delhi High Court demand responses from the NTA on alleged irregularities. The Calcutta High Court questions the awarding of high marks, while the Delhi High Court addresses petitions on grace marks.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Opposition: M.K. Stalin criticizes NEET, citing irregularities in the results on social media.

Medical Associations Demand Investigation: AIMSA and UDFA call for a CBI inquiry into the alleged paper leak and irregularities. AIMSA sends a detailed letter to the NTA Chairman, and UDFA issues statements to multiple high-ranking officials.

NTA's Announcement: NTA declares no re-examination for the 25 lakh students but forms a committee to investigate grace marks given to 1,563 candidates. They also set up a four-member committee to address time lapses at certain centers.

June 10, 2024: Petition Filed in Supreme Court

A petition challenges the NTA's decision to award grace marks, calling the compensatory marks arbitrary. The case will be further examined on June 12.

June 10, 2024: Political Leaders Demand Investigation

Political leaders, including Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi, demand an investigation into the alleged NEET scam. Gandhi criticizes the government for denying the possibility of a paper leak and assures students of advocating for their concerns in Parliament.

June 11, 2024: Supreme Court Issues Notice

The Supreme Court issues a notice to the NTA regarding a plea to cancel the NEET-UG 2024 exam due to alleged paper leaks. The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Ahasanuddin Amanullah, seeks clarity on the issue, emphasizing the need for answers.

June 13, 2024: Supreme Court Orders Re-Exam for Affected Students

The Supreme Court refuses to halt ongoing NEET-UG 2024 counseling but orders a re-exam for 1,563 students who received grace marks. The re-exam is scheduled for June 23, 2024, with results expected before June 30, 2024.

June 13, 2024: Education Minister Denies Corruption

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan denies allegations of corruption, asserting the exam's integrity despite controversies. He emphasizes the government's readiness to respond to the Supreme Court.

June 14, 2024: Supreme Court Defers Decision on CBI Probe

The Supreme Court defers the decision on a CBI probe into the alleged paper leaks and malpractices until July 8, 2024. The NTA's plea to transfer all NEET-related petitions to the Supreme Court is also issued.

June 15, 2024: New Petition Filed for Re-evaluation

A new petition calls for a complete re-evaluation of all OMR answer sheets, a re-ranking of candidates, and a court-monitored investigation into alleged irregularities. Eight candidates file this writ petition under Article 32.

June 17, 2024: Education Minister Admits Irregularities

Education Minister Pradhan acknowledges discrepancies in the NEET UG 2024 exam, promising reforms and accountability. He admits to irregularities at two exam centers and assures that the government is taking the issues seriously.

June 18, 2024: Supreme Court Defers Matter

The Supreme Court defers its decision on a CBI investigation, emphasizing the need for timely action from the NTA. Justice Vikram Nath highlights the importance of addressing any negligence thoroughly.

June 20, 2024: Detailed Report Sought from Bihar Police; No Re-Exam of NEET

The Education Ministry requests a detailed report from the Bihar Police's Economic Offences Unit regarding the NEET UG 2024 paper leak case. The government will take further action based on this report.

Confession of Accused: Anurag Yadav confesses to the paper leak, revealing details about the execution. Amit Anand, the alleged mastermind, also confesses, explaining the pricing and preparation strategy.

No Re-Exam Decision: Education Minister Pradhan announces no re-exam for NEET UG 2024, aiming to protect the interests of genuine candidates. A high-level committee will review the NTA's functioning to ensure transparency and prevent future errors.

June 21, 2024: Supreme Court to Hear Petition

The Supreme Court hears a petition seeking the cancellation of the NEET UG 2024 exam and a CBI investigation into the alleged paper leak. A vacation bench consisting of Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti will preside over the case, scheduled for July 8, 2024.