NEET struggling to get NEAT
On May 5, 2024 NEET Exams were held in India. More than 23 lakh + students appeared NEET Exam from all over India. The paper was conducted in 13 languages. NEET Exam serves as a common entrance test for admission to undergraduate medical education in all medical institutions.
Over 23 lakhs + students are competing for approximately 1 lakhs + MBBS Seats with over 55,000 in government institutions and the rest in private institutions.
The results were announced on 4th June 2024. What was unusual in the results which brought everyone attention was that 67 students stood All India Rank 1. Post then the NEET Exam has been under scrutiny for its integrity in selecting candidates for undergraduate medical seats. Initially managed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), NEET is now overseen by the autonomous National Testing Agency (NTA) under the Ministry of Education.
1) Irregularities and Allegations:
a) Paper Leaks and Mismanagement:
Allegations of paper leaks and mismanagement have surfaced, leading to widespread scrutiny. Suspiciously high scores were noted, with 67 students achieving perfect scores, an unprecedented number that raised concerns about potential irregularities, especially as many top scorers were from a single center in Haryana
b) Textbook Discrepancies:
Differences between old and new editions of NCERT textbooks led to revisions in the answer key, which contributed to the unusually high scores for some candidates
2) Compensatory Marks for Time Loss:
Due to issues at certain exam centers, such as incorrect question papers being distributed, the NTA awarded compensatory marks to 1,563 candidates who lost time during the exam. This decision was based on a Supreme Court formula from a previous ruling. However, the granting of these marks led to further controversies as it inflated scores significantly
3) Public and Legal Response:
Students and political organizations have called for a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) demanded a CBI probe, while public interest litigations have been filed in various high courts seeking redressal and transparency in the examination process
The Supreme Court of India has refused to stay the counselling process but has mandated a re-exam for the 1,563 affected candidates on June 23, 2024
4) Official Responses and Actions:
The NTA has denied allegations of any major scam or paper leaks. They have issued statements clarifying their positions and have promised actions against any proven malpractice. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also acknowledged the issues and supported the Supreme Court’s decision to offer a re-exam for the affected students.
Despite the controversies, the NTA maintained that their processes were transparent and adhered to established guidelines. They emphasized that the issues were limited to a small number of centers and did not compromise the overall integrity of the examination
5) Political Repercussions:
The controversy has also sparked political reactions, with opposition parties like the Congress criticizing the handling of the examination process. They have accused the government of mismanagement and demanded accountability for the irregularities that have affected millions of students
Way Head for students in the NEET Exams 2024:
The Supreme Court has mandated a re-exam for the 1,563 candidates who faced time loss due to exam mismanagement at certain centers. This re-exam is scheduled for June 23, 2024, aiming to provide a fair opportunity for these students to perform without the disruptions experienced previously. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to review and strengthen its protocols to prevent paper leaks and other irregularities. This includes enhancing security measures at exam centers, improving the distribution process of question papers, and employing more rigorous monitoring systems during the exam.
Thorough investigations into the allegations of paper leaks and irregularities are ongoing. The NTA and other authorities, including state police and potentially central agencies like the CBI, are expected to expedite their inquiries to identify any lapses or misconduct. Ensuring accountability and transparency in these investigations will be crucial to restoring trust in the examination process. Addressing the discrepancies between old and new editions of NCERT textbooks that led to answer key revisions will be a priority. The NTA may consider involving a broader panel of subject experts to review and finalize answer keys, ensuring they are accurate and fair for all candidates. Enhancing the grievance redressal mechanism to be more responsive and transparent can help address candidates’ concerns more effectively. This includes setting up dedicated helplines, timely addressing grievances, and ensuring that compensatory measures are clearly communicated and fairly implemented. Long-term reforms in the policy and structure of NEET and other competitive exams may be considered. This could involve exploring alternative assessment methods, continuous evaluation systems, or decentralizing the examination process to reduce the burden on a single exam. The NTA and Education Ministry need to ensure clear and consistent communication with candidates, parents, and educational institutions. Providing regular updates on the status of investigations, decisions on re-exams, and other measures will help maintain transparency and trust. Psychological and academic support for students affected by the controversies is vital. Counseling services, academic support programs, and clear guidance on next steps can help alleviate the stress and anxiety faced by students during this uncertain period