The NTA has refuted accusations of systemic failure in the NEET-UG 2024 exam amid allegations of paper leaks. They dismissed claims of widespread irregularities and opposed demands for a retest, asserting that allegations of candidates obtaining unusually high marks in certain intervals are unfounded.
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NEW DELHI: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has firmly rejected allegations of a “systemic failure” in the conduct of the NEET-UG 2024 exam. This statement was filed in the Supreme Court amidst ongoing controversy surrounding alleged paper leaks and other examination malpractices. The controversy has left around 2.4 million candidates anxious, with their career prospects hanging in the balance as the validity of the exam and the possibility of a retest remain uncertain.
In its detailed response to the joint written submissions filed by the petitioners, the NTA denied claims of widespread irregularities and the demand for a re-conduct of the exam.
“The petitioners’ allegations of systemic failure, based on claims that candidates achieved unusually high marks only in the top range of score intervals, are unfounded and rejected.”
-the NTA stated.
The NTA, responsible for conducting the NEET exam, defended the integrity of its examination process and the measures it has implemented to ensure fairness. The agency refuted accusations of paper leaks, OMR sheet tampering, and misuse of compensatory marks. It attributed the rise in scores for NEET-UG 2024 to a reduction in the syllabus by 22-25% compared to the previous year and a 15% increase in the number of candidates.
In written submissions filed through advocate Vardhman Kaushik, a day before the Supreme Court’s scheduled hearing on petitions demanding a retest, the NTA also addressed concerns about high scores potentially depriving meritorious candidates of admission. The NTA emphasized that selection is based on rank, not absolute marks, and that the relative merit of candidates remains the most significant factor in competitive examinations.
“It is inaccurate to suggest that deserving candidates will lose opportunities, as selection is based on rank rather than absolute marks. Furthermore, in competitive examinations, relative merit is paramount and holds significant importance.”
-the agency noted.
Regarding the petitioners’ claims of paper leaks and irregularities, the NTA clarified that these matters are currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The agency dismissed allegations of question paper leaks on social media, stating these claims were based on manipulated and anti-dated images. The affidavit also mentioned that grievances about time loss at examination centers had been addressed through re-examinations for the affected candidates.
In a recent court submission, the National Testing Agency (NTA) defended the integrity of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG), stating that claims of a compromised examination were unsubstantiated and prematurely based on unverified reports. The agency, in its defense presented to the apex court, clarified that such allegations are not only baseless but also detrimental to the credibility of the testing process.
“It is argued that courts cannot consider unsubstantiated and misleading media reports. Additionally, these reports provided by the petitioners themselves are contradictory and falsified.”
-the NTA expressed in its statement.
The controversy escalated following reports of a potential paper leak in Patna, Bihar. The NTA described this incident as an isolated criminal act by nefarious elements, emphasizing the limited scope of its impact.
“The incident in Bihar is asserted to be a criminal act carried out clandestinely by unscrupulous individuals, beyond the control of the respondent. Media reports inaccurately portrayed the incident and prematurely drew conclusions before the investigation was completed, leading to public misconceptions.”
-the agency elaborated in its legal documents.
In response to this incident, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the case from the Bihar Police. The NTA also took precautionary measures by withholding the results of 17 candidates who were suspected to be involved, pending further investigation.
Additionally, the NTA criticized the reliability of the evidence provided by the petitioners. The agency pointed out that the ongoing investigation into the alleged widespread paper leak involves testimonies that are yet to be substantiated by a formal charge sheet.
“It is pertinent to note that in an ongoing investigation involving an examination affecting over 23 lakh candidates, relying on statements of witnesses under Section 161 of the CrPC (statements to police) before filing a charge sheet and reaching any substantive conclusion would unjustly hinder the investigation, thereby defeating its purpose entirely.”
-stated the NTA.
Meanwhile, a group of students challenging the examination results alleged that a “systematic fraud” had occurred, undermining the integrity of the examination and by extension, the trust in India’s medical education system. These allegations were part of the written submissions filed to the Supreme Court on July 10. In response to these complexities and the need for thorough review, the case was presided over by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, who adjourned the hearing scheduled on July 11 to July 18, allowing time for all parties involved to receive and review the latest affidavits submitted by the Centre and NTA.
