June 12th 2024.
Officials from the National Testing Agency (NTA) have reported that there were 63 cases of students using unfair means during the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) on Wednesday. Out of these, 23 students have been debarred for varying periods, while the results of the remaining 40 candidates have been withheld. NTA DG Subodh Kumar Singh clarified that the integrity of the medical entrance exam was not compromised and there was no paper leak.
Singh explained that a committee was formed to investigate the different types of cases reported, such as impersonation, cheating, and tampering with the OMR sheet. This committee, consisting of three experts in the field of examination and academics, recommended appropriate action for each case. As a result, 12 candidates have been debarred from taking the exam for three years, nine candidates for two years, and two candidates for one year each. The results of the remaining candidates have been withheld.
The total number of cases involving unfair means was 63, according to Singh. However, the NTA has faced criticism and allegations of irregularities and marks inflation in the NEET-UG exam. The matter has even reached the Supreme Court, which recently stated that the sanctity of the exam had been affected. The court has sought responses from the Centre and the NTA regarding a plea for holding the exam again due to alleged question paper leaks and other malpractices.
In response to the protests from students and opposition parties, the Education Ministry has set up a four-member panel to review the grace marks awarded to 1,563 students who experienced a delay in starting the exam at certain centers. Singh clarified that the panel has not yet submitted its report, and depending on their recommendations, a retest may be conducted for these students or an alternative solution may be devised to ensure no candidate faces any disadvantage.
When questioned about the allegations of marks inflation, Singh stated that out of the 67 candidates who received a perfect score of 720, 44 candidates received marks due to a revision in the answer key for physics, and six candidates received marks due to a loss of time. He clarified that only two candidates who were awarded grace marks received a score of 718 or 719.
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