[NEET-PG 2024] SC Seeks NBE’s Response on Aspirants Plea Seeking Transparency & Disclosure of Answer Keys

The Supreme Court of India Today (Sept 13) sought a response from the National Board of Education (NBE) concerning a writ petition that demands the release of answer keys and question papers for the NEET-PG 2024 examination. The petition also advocates for the adoption of measures to improve transparency in the exam process.

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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India sought a response from the National Board of Education (NBE) regarding a writ petition that calls for the disclosure of answer keys and question papers of the NEET-PG 2024 examination. The petition also urges the implementation of measures to enhance transparency in the examination process.

Senior Advocate Vibha Makhija, representing the petitioner, highlighted a critical issue: the NBE has not released either the question papers or the answer keys for the NEET-PG 2024 exam. She argued that without access to the correct answers, candidates are unable to assess their performances transparently.

She submitted that-

“when the scorecard was released, it did not tally accurately for many candidates,”

-pointing to discrepancies that have raised concerns among aspirants.

Advocate Makhija further emphasized that Clause 10.4 of the Information Bulletin states that-

“there will be no provision for re-evaluation or rechecking or re-totaling of responses.”

This clause effectively denies candidates the opportunity to seek a review of their exam results, which could be detrimental if errors have occurred.

The NEET-PG 2024 examination was conducted on August 11 by the NBE, with results declared on August 23. The counselling process is set to commence on September 20. However, the petitioners have raised serious concerns about the lack of transparency and alleged arbitrary last-minute changes in the examination’s conduct.

One of the key issues raised is that the exam format was altered just one month before the scheduled date. The plea states that the examination was converted into a two-session format with separate papers for each session. This change, according to the petitioners, is against the NBE’s guidelines of having one common examination, adding confusion and potential inequality among test-takers.

The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, acknowledged the gravity of the matter and agreed to consider it. The bench issued the following order:

“Serve the NBE, we will list it next Friday, liberty to serve standing counsel.”

The CJI added:

“Serve a copy of the petition, we will ask for some assistance from the other side.”

These directives indicate the Court’s intention to hear both sides of the argument and possibly expedite the resolution of the issues raised.

The petitioners are advocating for increased transparency in the NEET-PG examination process. By accessing the question papers and answer keys, candidates can verify their results and ensure that their scores accurately reflect their performance.

The lack of provisions for re-evaluation or rechecking exacerbates the problem, leaving candidates with no recourse if they suspect errors.

This case underscores the broader concerns about transparency and fairness in competitive examinations, which are critical for the futures of thousands of aspiring medical professionals. The Supreme Court’s intervention could set a precedent for how examination bodies handle candidate grievances and maintain transparency.

As the next hearing is scheduled, all eyes will be on the NBE’s response and the subsequent proceedings. The outcome could have significant implications for the NEET-PG examination process and the rights of candidates seeking fair assessment.

BACKGROUND

A group of NEET-PG 2024 aspirants took their concerns regarding the examination process to the Supreme Court by filing a review petition. The petition outlines several critical issues that they believe need to be addressed to ensure a fair and transparent evaluation process.

Among the key concerns raised are the need for greater transparency in the exam, the normalization of marks across different batches, and the overall validity of the exam results.

In their plea, the petitioners have requested that the Supreme Court direct the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), the organization responsible for conducting the NEET-PG exam, to release the official answer key and the response sheet. This would provide aspirants with the ability to cross-check their answers, enhancing transparency.

The petition includes a request to the court to-

“pass any other such further or other writ, order or directions as this Hon’ble Court may deem fit and proper in the facts and circumstances of the present case.”

This appeal reflects the students’ desire for greater fairness and accuracy in the final results and seeks assurances that the evaluation process is conducted with the highest standards of accountability and integrity.

NEET-PG 2024 Examination Process

The NEET-PG 2024 examination was successfully conducted on August 11 at 416 centres spread across 170 cities. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, an autonomous body operating under the Union health ministry, oversaw the entire process.

In an effort to ensure that the most suitable and reputed examination centres were chosen, the exam was held in two shifts on the same day. This strategic move aimed to facilitate smooth and efficient operations during the examination.

NEET-PG 2024 Results

The results of the NEET-PG 2024 examination were announced on August 24. Along with the results, NBEMS clarified that there would be no provision for re-evaluation, rechecking, or re-totaling of the responses submitted by candidates.

The cutoff percentile for qualification was established at 50 percentile for candidates from the general and EWS (Economically Weaker Section) categories. For aspirants belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories, including those with disabilities (PwD) from these groups, the cutoff was set at the 40 percentile. Additionally, the cutoff for UR (unreserved) PwD candidates was fixed at the 45 percentile.

The petition filed by the aspirants serves as a significant push for reforms in the examination process, aiming to secure fairness and transparency in one of the country’s most competitive medical entrance exams.

The outcome of the case remains to be seen, but the petitioners hope their efforts will lead to improvements in the system, ensuring a more equitable evaluation process for future candidates.

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