Supreme Court Considers Cancellation of NEET-UG 2024 Amidst Allegations of Paper Leaks
The integrity of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduates (NEET-UG) 2024 has been called into question, with the Supreme Court issuing a notice to the National Testing Agency (NTA) in response to a plea demanding the cancellation of the exam. The petition, filed by ten NEET candidates, alleges widespread malpractices, including paper leaks, that compromised the fairness of the test.
Serious Allegations Prompt Court Action
The Supreme Court bench, led by Justices Vikram Nath and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “Sanctity has been affected, we need answers.” The petitioners claim that the May 5th exam, for which results were declared just days ago on June 4th, was marred by significant irregularities. They argue that leaks of the question paper provided certain candidates with an unfair advantage, violating the fundamental right to equality enshrined in Article 14 of the Indian Constitution. The petition emphasizes the need for a fresh and fair examination to restore public trust in the crucial medical entrance test.
Counselling Process to Proceed Despite Uncertainty
While the court investigates the allegations, it has allowed the ongoing counselling process for admissions to MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses to continue uninterrupted. The bench firmly stated, “We will not stop the counselling. If you argue further, we will dismiss this.” This ensures that student admissions are not delayed while the court addresses the concerns surrounding the exam’s conduct.
High Stakes for Candidates and Examination Credibility
The NEET-UG exam serves as the gateway to medical and dental education in India, with both government and private institutions utilizing its scores for admissions. The outcome of this court case has significant ramifications for the thousands of students who participated in the 2024 exam and the overall credibility of the NEET-UG process. The education and legal communities are closely following the court’s proceedings as it awaits the NTA’s response and prepares for the next hearing on July 8th.
Background: NEET-UG Examination
The National Testing Agency administers the NEET-UG exam for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other medical programs throughout India. It is a highly competitive exam, with aspirants vying for a limited number of medical seats across the country. The allegations of paper leaks threaten to undermine the integrity of this vital selection process.