The NEET UG 2024 results have been marred by significant controversy following their release on June 4, 2024. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 5, 2024, the examination saw participation from over 24 lakh candidates across 4,750 centers in 571 cities, including 14 international locations.

While the results have traditionally been a cause for celebration, this year’s announcements have sparked widespread dissatisfaction and allegations of irregularities, leading to demands for a re-examination.

This unfolding situation has become a focal point in educational news, attracting considerable attention and scrutiny within the academic community.

Allegations of Irregularities

Several concerns have been raised regarding the NEET UG 2024 results, including:

Inflated Scores and Perfect Marks

A record 67 candidates achieved a perfect score of 720/720, a significant increase from previous years, where typically only a few candidates attained full marks. Additionally, six of these top scorers hailed from the same exam center in Haryana, raising suspicions about the fairness of the examination process.

Compensatory Marks

The NTA awarded compensatory marks to approximately 1,563 candidates who faced disruptions during the exam due to issues such as the distribution of incorrect question papers or torn OMR sheets. This decision has led to unusually high scores of 718 and 719 for some candidates, which many find statistically questionable given the +4 and -1 marking scheme.

Paper Leak Allegations

There have been claims of the NEET question paper being leaked in various locations, including Patna. The NTA has vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that their security protocols ensured the integrity of the exam.

NTA’s Response

The NTA has strongly denied any instances of a paper leak. They attributed the higher scores to compensatory marks awarded to candidates who faced time loss during the exam. According to NTA’s statement, around 1,563 candidates received these compensatory marks, leading to some obtaining scores of 718 and 719.

The NTA also addressed concerns regarding discrepancies in textbooks. They noted that some questions had multiple correct answers due to differences between old and new editions of NCERT textbooks. As a result, marks for some students were adjusted, contributing to the higher number of top scorers.

Supreme Court Intervention

The Supreme Court of India has issued notices to the Centre and the NTA following a petition by ten NEET candidates calling for the cancellation of the NEET UG  2024 results  and a re-conduct of the examination. The petitioners argue that the sanctity of the medical entrance exam has been compromised, a sentiment echoed by many students and parents.

However, the Supreme Court has not stayed the counselling process for undergraduate medical admissions and has scheduled a hearing for July 8 to address the petition alongside a pending case.

Call for Transparency and Re-Examination

Despite NTA’s reassurances, the controversy has led to widespread calls for a more transparent examination process. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Junior Doctors Network has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the record number of perfect scores and urged for a re-examination to ensure fairness.

Political figures have also weighed in. The Maharashtra government, among others, has called for the immediate cancellation of the NEET UG 2024 results, alleging injustice against their state’s students. Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, reiterated his opposition to NEET, highlighting concerns over social justice and federalism.

Conclusion

As the controversy surrounding the NEET UG 2024 results continues to unfold, students and parents remain in a state of uncertainty. The Supreme Court’s upcoming hearing on July 8 is expected to provide further clarity on the issue. Meanwhile, the NTA maintains that the examination was conducted fairly and that the results are valid.

The ongoing debate underscores the need for transparency and rigorous scrutiny in competitive examinations to maintain their integrity and trust among candidates and the public.