Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has reiterated the government’s commitment to accountability and fairness amidst the ongoing NEET controversy. He emphasized that stringent actions will be taken against any officials found guilty of malpractice.
Addressing the NEET controversy, Pradhan stated, “In accordance with the Supreme Court’s directives, a re-test has been mandated for 1,563 candidates due to irregularities identified at two locations. The government is treating this issue with utmost seriousness.”
“If senior officials of the NTA are found culpable, they will face severe consequences. Significant reforms are imperative within the NTA, and we are dedicated to ensuring that wrongdoers are held accountable,” he affirmed.
Numerous petitions were filed in the Supreme Court and high courts by students seeking re-examinations, citing irregularities and discrepancies. The Supreme Court recently permitted the re-test for over 1,500 students who initially received grace marks.
The controversy surrounding this year’s NEET exam, which determines entry into medical colleges, has highlighted enduring systemic deficiencies. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has revoked grace marks for more than 1,500 candidates and offered them the option of a re-test, citing initial issues with the distribution of question papers.
The NTA has formed a committee to reassess the results of affected candidates and has decided to nullify their original scorecards. The re-examination is scheduled for June 23, with results expected before June 30. The May 5 exam, conducted at 4,750 centers for approximately 24 lakh students, has been marred by allegations of question paper leaks and contentious grace marks, prompting protests and legal challenges across various courts.
