Today(on 13th June),The Supreme Court upheld NTA’s decision to cancel grace marks for 1,563 NEET UG candidates due to time constraints. Candidates can opt for a re-exam or accept revised scores without grace marks, with results expected by June 30 and counseling to begin on July 4.
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![[Breaking] NEET UG 2024: Centre Tells SC Grace marks awarded to 1,563 candidates Stands Cancel; Allows to Retest on June 23, 2024](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/13_06_2024-sc_on_neet_ug_2024_23737930_m.webp?resize=700%2C394&ssl=1)
NEW DELHI: Today(on 13th June), The Supreme Court of India, endorsed the decision made by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Union to revoke the ‘grace marks’ that were previously awarded to 1,563 candidates during the NEET UG examination. This verdict comes as a significant development in the ongoing discussions about the fairness and integrity of the NEET UG assessment process.
These 1,563 candidates now have the option to retake the examination. If they choose not to participate in the re-exam, their original scores, excluding the grace marks, will be considered their final NEET UG results. The court’s decision aims to maintain the examination’s fairness and integrity.
The NTA has assured the Supreme Court that the re-examination process and the declaration of results will be concluded by July 1. The NEET UG counselling process is likely to commence on July 4. The re-examination is scheduled for June 23, with results expected to be announced on June 30.
With this directive, the Supreme Court has resolved the ongoing issue regarding the grace marks or compensatory marks in NEET UG. The cancellation of the NEET UG exam itself will be revisited on July 8. The court clarified that it does not intend to halt the UG medical seats counselling process, emphasizing that-
“The court retains the authority to overturn any decision made during the counseling process.”
The Centre informed the Supreme Court about its decision to cancel the scorecards of the 1,563 NEET-UG 2024 candidates who received grace marks, following allegations of unfair practices during the examination.
“A committee convened on June 10, 11, and 12 to investigate the allegations. Following the committee’s recommendations, the affected candidates’ scorecards will be invalidated, necessitating a re-examination for these students.”
-stated the Centre.
The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to ensure a transparent and equitable examination process, addressing the grievances of the affected candidates while maintaining the credibility of the NEET UG examination system. This ruling closes the chapter on the debate over grace marks, with a clear path forward for the re-examination and subsequent counselling sessions.
The Supreme Court has reaffirmed its stance on the ongoing counselling process for NEET-UG 2024, despite several controversies surrounding the exam. The apex court has decided not to halt the counselling process, ensuring that the schedule remains unaffected.
“The counseling will proceed as planned without any disruption. As long as the exam continues, all other proceedings will also proceed smoothly, ensuring no need for concern.”
-the top court declared.
This statement emphasizes the court’s commitment to maintaining the timeline for admissions in medical courses across the country.
Amidst this, a retest has been scheduled for June 23, with the results to be declared on June 30. This decision comes after a committee was established to review the results of more than 1,563 NEET-UG 2024 candidates who had received ‘grace marks’ due to a loss of time during the exam.
ALSO READ: SC to Hear Petitions on NEET-UG’24 Results Today
“A committee was established to review the results of over 1,563 NEET-UG 2024 candidates who were awarded ‘grace marks’ due to time constraints during the exam. The committee has determined to nullify the scorecards of these candidates, who will now be offered the opportunity to take a re-test.”
– the Government/NTA informed the Supreme Court.
“The results of the re-test will be announced on June 30, with counselling for MBBS, BDS, and other courses commencing on July 6.”
-the Centre informed the Supreme Court.
This timeline ensures that the admission process for medical courses remains on track despite the disruptions caused by the initial exam issues.
The Supreme Court has also decided to address all petitions related to NEET-UG 2024, including those seeking the cancellation of the exam due to allegations of malpractices, on July 8.
“All petitions, including those seeking cancellation of NEET-UG 2024 due to allegations of malpractices, will be addressed on July 8.”
-the top court noted.
This move indicates the court’s willingness to consider all grievances while ensuring the counselling process continues without delay.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA) in response to a petition seeking the cancellation of NEET-UG 2024 results. The petition arose amid allegations that the exam paper was leaked, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the examination process.
“It’s not as straightforward as assuming the exam is sacrosanct just because it has been conducted.”
-the court remarked to the NTA, highlighting the gravity of the allegations.
“The sanctity of the examination has been compromised, so we need answers.”
– the court added, pressing the NTA for a thorough explanation.
Despite these ongoing issues, the court has confirmed that the counselling for admissions will continue as planned.
Justices Vikram Nath and Ahsanuddin Amanullah stated-
“We are not stopping counselling.”
This decision underscores the importance of proceeding with the admission process while the court addresses the allegations and discrepancies associated with the NEET-UG 2024 exam.
The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on July 8 and will be reviewed alongside a plea filed before Chief Justice DY Chandrachud. The court was considering a new petition related to the ongoing dispute over NEET-UG 2024 results, which includes claims of score discrepancies and alleged preferential treatment for some students.
The petitioners had requested the cancellation of scores from the May 5 exam and called for a fresh examination. As the Supreme Court continues to navigate these complex issues, it remains committed to ensuring that the counselling process for NEET-UG 2024 proceeds smoothly and that justice is served for all candidates involved.
A group of petitioners from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have approached the court, raising serious concerns about the distribution of grace marks in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). They claim that the awarding of these marks lacks a “defined logic,” resulting in “statistically impossible” scores, including students achieving the maximum possible score of 720 out of 720.
“There has been no clear rationale provided for the allocation of grace marks, nor has a list been disclosed detailing who received them. Furthermore, the reason cited for granting grace marks, ‘wastage of time,’ was not disclosed in the pre-exam information bulletin.”
-the petitioners claimed.
The petitioners argue that the lack of transparency and clear criteria for grace marks has raised doubts about the integrity of the examination process. They highlighted that 67 students from a single coaching center achieved perfect scores, which they find highly suspicious.
The petitioners also brought attention to the provisional answer key released by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which over 13,000 students contested, suggesting discrepancies in the provided answers. This has further fueled concerns about the fairness and accuracy of the exam results.
Underscoring the dangers of cheating in a medical entrance test, the plea stated-
“This field demands a profound understanding of scientific and medical knowledge. Cheating or resorting to unfair means in exams can undermine competence and jeopardize patient safety.”
The petitioners emphasize that cheating in exams undermines the principles of meritocracy and equal opportunities, which are vital for social mobility and fairness in society.
“It perpetuates inequalities by benefiting those who can afford leaked exam papers or engage in fraud, while disadvantaging those who rely on hard work and merit. This impact extends to society as a whole.”
– the plea said.