Will There Be NEET UG 2024 Reexam? Supreme Court Set to Decide Amid Alleged Paper Leak Controversy

During the last hearing, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud emphasized the need to determine the systemic nature of the leak and its impact on the integrity of the NEET exam. The court suggested that a retest might be necessary

The Supreme Court of India is poised to make a crucial decision today regarding the future of the NEET-UG 2024 examination, amidst allegations of a paper leak. This decision could potentially impact nearly 24 lakh students who appeared for the exam.

NEET 2024: Government and NTA's Position

The Central Government and the National Testing Agency (NTA) have both filed affidavits denying any widespread leak of the NEET-UG 2024 examination paper. The NTA contends that videos circulating on Telegram, which purportedly show leaked exam questions, are fabricated and manipulated. The agency has detailed these claims in an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court.

In their affidavit, the Union Government referenced data analytics performed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. This analysis indicated that the marks distribution of the NEET-UG 2024 exam followed a typical bell-shaped curve, suggesting no irregularities. According to the IIT Madras report, there were no signs of mass leakage or any localised benefit to specific candidates, dismissing claims of widespread fraud.

CBI Investigation

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is expected to submit its findings later today. Preliminary reports suggest that the alleged paper leak was localised rather than extensive. This finding is anticipated to provide further clarity on the extent and nature of the breach.

Court's Previous Observations

During the last hearing, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud emphasized the need to determine the systemic nature of the leak and its impact on the integrity of the NEET UG exam. The court suggested that a retest might be necessary if the exam's integrity was significantly compromised. However, a retest would be considered a last resort due to the logistical challenges and impact on millions of students.

Telegram Video Allegations

The NTA has addressed the allegations surrounding leaked paper videos on Telegram, asserting that the timestamps were altered to falsely indicate an early leak. Evidence provided includes a demonstration of how digital image dates can be manipulated, further discrediting the leak claims.

Next Steps for NEET UG 2024

As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the case, it has directed all petitioners' lawyers seeking a retest to submit a consolidated set of submissions by today. The Chief Justice has outlined specific areas for clarification from the NTA and CBI, including the timing and manner of the paper leak and steps taken to identify the centers and students involved.

The Supreme Court's decision will be crucial for the future of medical admissions in India, potentially setting a precedent for handling large-scale examination controversies. The court will evaluate the feasibility of a retest based on the extent of the leak and the ability to segregate students involved in malpractice from those who were not.

High-Level Committee

In response to the controversy, the Central Government has formed a High-Level Committee headed by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, former Chairman of ISRO. This committee aims to recommend comprehensive examination reforms and restructure the NTA, enhancing data security protocols and optimizing organizational procedures. The committee's findings are expected within two months.

Public Examination Act

To prevent future issues, the Ministry of Education has enacted the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which aims to curb cheating, impersonation, and breaches of trust in public examinations. As the nation awaits the Supreme Court's decision, the implications for the NEET-UG 2024 examination and the future of competitive exams in India remain significant.