Supreme Court Rules on NEET UG 2024 Exam, Orders CCTV Monitoring and Reform Measures
Today's judgment includes the court’s directive to establish a seven-member expert committee to implement several key measures, including CCTV monitoring at all exam centres, improved evaluation processes.
The Supreme Court of India has delivered its detailed judgment regarding the NEET UG 2024 examination, choosing not to cancel the test despite paper leak allegations. The court, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, found no systemic breach affecting the exam but highlighted the need for significant reforms.
On July 23, the court had rejected calls for a re-test, concluding that the issues were localized to Patna and Hazaribagh and did not warrant a nationwide cancellation. The ruling emphasized that a re-test would disrupt the admission schedule and negatively impact medical education, particularly disadvantaging marginalized groups benefiting from reservation policies. The NTA had previously conducted a special test for 1,563 candidates, offering them the option of a re-test or grace marks.
Today's judgment includes the court’s directive to establish a seven-member expert committee to implement several key measures, including CCTV monitoring at all exam centres, improved evaluation processes, standard operating procedures, enhanced identity checks, and secure logistics. The committee is also tasked with bolstering cybersecurity and fostering international collaboration. The report is expected by September 30, 2024, with the Ministry of Education required to implement the recommendations and report back to the court within two weeks.
"Live Law" reported that the Supreme Court emphasized the need for technological advancements and a robust grievance redressal mechanism to address the identified deficiencies in the NEET UG 2024 examination system. The court’s decision underscores the importance of significant reforms to ensure a fair and secure testing environment. Students with grievances unrelated to the judgment may approach High Courts under Article 226 after withdrawing their petitions from the Supreme Court.
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Q: What is the exam pattern of NEET?
NEET or National Eligibility cum Entrance Test is a paper-pencil based test (PBT) of 3 hours and 20 minutes duration. There are a total of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), out of which 180 questions have to be attempted. The syllabus of the exam consists of Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects. The Biology subject is segregated between Zoology and Botany. On the other hand, Chemistry subject is segragated into Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry. Each subject will be divided into two sections, Section A and Section B.
Section A carries 35 questions and Section B carries 15 questions. While all 35 questions can be attempted in Section A, in Section B, 10 questions out of 15 have to be attempted. Each question carries four answer options and the correct option has to be marked on the OMR sheet. According to the marking scheme, each correct question carries 4 marks and there is a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer. No marks will be awarded or deducted for unattempted or extra attempted questions. The following table brings the structure of the NEET exam.
| Sections | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics Section A & B | 35 + 15 | 140 + 40 |
| Chemistry Section A & B | 35 + 15 | 140 + 40 |
| Botany Section A & B | 35 + 15 | 140 + 40 |
| Zoology Section A & B | 35 + 15 | 140 + 40 |
Q: What is the format of the NEET scorecard?
The NEET scorecard or the NEET result is declared in an online mode. The NEET scorecard is released online in PDF format. Candidates will have to obtain the NEET scorecard by following the steps given below:
1. Visit the official website - neet.nta.nic.in
2. Click on the link indicating NEET scorecard download
3. Enter the NEET application number and date of birth or password
4. Enter the security pin
5. Download the NEET scorecard PDF document
6. Take multiple printouts
Candidates must preserve the hard and soft copy of the NEET scorecard till the admission or counselling process is concluded.
Q: What is the format for the NEET exam?
The format for NEET exam is a total of 180 question with total 720 marks. Four marks will be awarded for a right answer and one mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. The questions will be objective type that is MCQ based. 90 questions will be from Biology including Zoology and Botany both, and 45 questions each from Physics and 45 Chemistry. Each subject will be divided into two sections. The syllabus will be that of Class 11 and Class 12 CBSE syllabus.
Q: Will NEET 2025 have sectional time limits?
No, there is no time limit to solve a section in NEET. The total duration of the exam is 200 minutes, or three hours and 20 minutes. Hence, on an average, candidates will get around five minutes for each question. Candidates must keep a tab on the timing as NEET is a time-pressed exam.
Before the exam day, candidates are advised to prepare a time management strategy wherein a particular timing should be assigned for each section or subject. They must also note that they will not be given any extra time to complete the exam, nor will they be allowed to take breaks in between or leave before time.
Q: Is there is bonus marking for NEET?
There will be bonus marking or extra marks awarded to NEET candidates only if there is a discrepancy in the NEET answer key. Clarifying the same, NTA has stated:
1. If more than one option is found to be correct then Four marks (+4) will be awarded to only those who have marked any of the correct options.
2. If all options are found to be correct then Four marks (+4) will be awarded to all those who have attempted the question.
3. If none of the options is found correct or a Question is found to be wrong or a Question is dropped then all candidates who have appeared will be given four marks (+4) irrespective of the fact whether the question has been attempted or not attempted by the candidate.
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Abhay an alumnus of IIMC and Delhi University, has over a decade long experience of reporting on various beats of journalism. During his free time he prefers listening to music or play indoor and outdoor games.
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