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NEET UG 2024: How the NTA Misled the Supreme Court

NEET UG 2024: Documents Accessed by The Probe Reveal How NTA Continues to Be Dismissive, Ignoring Widespread Malpractices in Examination Conduct

By Neeraj Thakur
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neet ug 2024

NEET UG 2024: How the NTA Misled the Supreme Court

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NEET UG 2024 - The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate has become embroiled in controversy due to large scale irregularities, leading to embarrassment for the Union Government. The exam, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), was marred by allegations of paper leaks, impersonation, and widespread malpractices, triggering outrage among students and parents nationwide.

The NEET UG 2024 examination was conducted by the NTA on 5 May 2024. It was a massive logistical operation, held at 4,750 centres in 571 cities, including 14 international locations. The examination was available in 13 languages to accommodate the diverse linguistic backgrounds of candidates across India. With over 24 lakh candidates registered and over 23 lakh appearing for the exam, the scale of NEET UG 2024 was unprecedented​​​​.

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The results of this examination were declared on 4th June 2024. However, due to the reported irregularities, a re-test was held for 1,563 candidates on 23rd June 2024, and the results for these candidates were announced on 30th June 2024. 

The Controversy Unfolds

The NEET-UG 2024 exam faced scrutiny when reports emerged that the exam paper had been leaked before the test commenced. This revelation sent shockwaves through the education sector, prompting protests from students demanding accountability and a fair re-examination. The alleged irregularities have put the Union Government in a tight spot, with questions raised about the integrity of the examination process.

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One of the most damning pieces of evidence came from the fact that several top-ranking students hailed from the same exam centre, raising suspicions of coordinated cheating and malpractices. Reports also indicated that the paper leak industry is estimated to be worth ₹2,500 crore, highlighting the magnitude of the problem​​​​.

The issue soon reached the Supreme Court, where a series of petitions were filed demanding a re-examination for all candidates. During the hearings, the NTA faced accusations of misleading the court by downplaying the extent of the irregularities. 

NTA’s Counter Accessed

The Probe has exclusively accessed the counter filed by the National Testing Agency on behalf of the Union of India before the Supreme Court. The affidavit, signed by Varun Bharadwaj, Director of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education, outlines the government's position in response to the allegations of misconduct.

The counter affidavit begins by acknowledging the seriousness of the issue, stating that "the Union of India is not taking the present litigation in an adversarial manner and fully appreciates the concerns of the candidates who have taken the NEET UG 2024 examination." 

The affidavit emphasises a "solution-oriented approach," asserting, "The Union of India remains committed towards protecting the interests of lakhs of students who have attempted the question papers fairly and after years of hard work." 

However, as the document progresses, the government's tone shifts to a more defensive stance. 

Government's Defensive S

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