New Petition Filed in Supreme Court Over NEET-UG 2024 Results Controversy

This writ petition, filed under Article 32 by eight candidates who took the NEET UG 2024 exam on May 5, highlights multiple alleged irregularities by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Over 24 lakh students participated in this nationwide examination.

In a recent twist to the NEET-UG 2024 Results controversy, a fresh petition has been submitted to the Supreme Court calling for a complete re-evaluation of all OMR answer sheets, a re-ranking of candidates, and a court-monitored investigation.

This writ petition, filed under Article 32 by eight candidates who took the NEET UG 2024 exam on May 5, highlights multiple alleged irregularities by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Over 24 lakh students participated in this nationwide examination.

Key Allegations Against NTA

1. Discrepancies in Marks: Students reported receiving different marks on their scorecards compared to their OMR sheets, unrelated to grace marks.
2. Inflated Scores: An unprecedented number of 67 candidates achieved perfect scores of 720/720, with six toppers from the same exam center in Haryana.
3. Questionable Marks: Scores of 718 and 719 are considered statistically improbable.
4. Lack of Transparency: The method for awarding compensatory marks for lost time was not disclosed.
5. Unclear Grace Marks: The logic behind the grace marks given was not defined, and no list was shared detailing these marks.
6. Post-Exam Rule Change: The provision for grace marks due to time wastage was introduced post-exam, raising doubts about the results' authenticity.

The petitioners seek several actions, including declaring the grace marks to 1563 candidates as unreasonable and illegal, re-evaluating all OMR sheets without the grace marks, and establishing a High-Power Committee led by a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge to investigate the discrepancies. They also request a forensic audit by a professional firm to uncover any unfair means used by candidates. Additionally, they demand the press releases by the NTA on June 4 and June 6 be declared illegal.

On June 14, Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued notices on this petition and a related matter seeking a CBI inquiry into alleged paper leaks. All NEET-UG 2024-related petitions will be reviewed on July 14.

On June 13, the NTA responded to another petition regarding the grace marks, agreeing to withdraw these marks and offering affected students a re-test or scores without the grace marks.

Another plea has been filed seeking to scrap the NEET-UG 2024 exam and a Supreme Court-monitored CBI probe into the alleged irregularities, highlighting a significant increase in high scores and calling for a re-examination to ensure only deserving students gain admission to medical institutions. The petition emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation by an independent agency to maintain the integrity and fairness of the examination process.