NEET Scam: Panel To Investigate NTA But Student Demand Nothing But A Retest For All

NEET paper leak: As the protests against the NEET exams over allegations of leaked question papers and preferential marking grows, the government on Thursday formed a panel to investigate NTA’s functioning. “The government is going to form a high-level committee. Recommendations will be expected from that high-level committee to improve further NTA, its structure, functioning, examination process, transparency and data security protocol,” said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. 

"I want to assure everyone that the government is committed to protecting the interests of students. We will not compromise on transparency,” Pradhan said. 

Pradhan appeals Opposition not to politicise NEET issue 

Addressing a press conference here, Pradhan also appealed to the opposition parties not to politicise the issue and said strict action would be taken against those found guilty, including officials from the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The high-level committee to review and improve the functioning of NTA would be notified soon, the minister said.

About the cancellation of the UGC-NET examination for selection of junior research fellows, assistant professors and PhD scholars, Pradhan said the exam paper was leaked on Darknet.

"Let us have faith in our systems and no irregularities or malpractices will be tolerated by the government," he said.

The Centre's decision to cancel grace marks for 1,563 students and announce a re-test for them on June 23 has failed to quell concerns among candidates. Protests organized by student bodies and youth wings of political parties have erupted nationwide, underscoring the dissatisfaction with the National Testing Agency's (NTA) management of the NEET exam. This year's record-breaking achievement of 67 students scoring a perfect 720 has further fueled suspicions among aspirants, marking an unprecedented result in NTA's history.

Should the NEET Re-exam be held? Here’s what Republic poll results show

Amid the nationwide uproar, Republic TV conducted a poll to gauge public opinion on whether a re-exam should be conducted for NEET-UG 2024. The results revealed overwhelming support, with 81.4% of respondents favoring a retest, while 18.6% opposed the idea.

People on NEET scam to Arnab on the debate