NEET-UG 2024 Results Controversy Escalates: Courts Intervene

The Calcutta High Court has demanded a response from the National Testing Agency (NTA) regarding alleged irregularities in the examination process. Delhi High Court is hearing a petition challenging the NTA's decision to grant grace marks.

The controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2024 results has intensified, drawing the attention of high courts in Calcutta and Delhi, as well as the Supreme Court. Multiple petitions have been filed, challenging the conduct and outcome of the examination.

Calcutta High Court Demands NTA Response

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 Kausik 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.

Delhi High Court on Grace Marks

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. Another petition contesting the final answer key for a physics question and the compensatory time given to some candidates will be heard on June 12.

Supreme Court Petition for Fresh Exams

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.

NTA's Clarifications

In response to the controversies, the NTA has issued several statements clarifying various points:

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.

Public Reactions and Protests

The NEET UG 2024 results, which saw an unprecedented 67 candidates scoring a perfect 720/720, have sparked widespread protests. NEET aspirants, along with their parents and various stakeholders, have raised serious concerns about potential irregularities in the examination process. Allegations include the improbability of so many perfect scores, the controversial awarding of grace marks, and suspicions about the integrity of the examination process at certain centers.

Conclusion

As legal proceedings continue, the controversy over the NEET-UG 2024 results remains unresolved. The involvement of multiple courts and the Supreme Court underscores the gravity of the situation, highlighting the need for transparency and fairness in the conduct of high-stakes examinations like NEET.

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