NEET-UG 24 not canceled due to no systemic breach: SC
In 2024, over 23 lakh students appeared for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG), which is a crucial examination for aspiring medical professionals in India. This test serves as the gateway for admissions to various medical courses, including MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related disciplines. NEET-UG is renowned for its rigorous standards and comprehensive coverage of subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The high number of participants highlights the competitive nature of the exam and the significant interest in medical education among students across the country.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday decided not to cancel the controversial NEET-UG 2024 examination, despite concerns about a paper leak, because it found no systematic breach of its sanctity.
In the detailed reasons for the order, pronounced on July 23, a bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra criticized the National Testing Agency (NTA) for its inconsistent handling of the issue, which they noted does not serve the students’ interests.
The bench issued a series of directions and expanded the remit of the Centre-appointed panel, led by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan, to review the NTA’s functioning and recommend necessary exam reforms. The court mandated that the panel, now with a broader scope, submit its report by September 30, detailing measures to rectify deficiencies in the examination system.
The bench highlighted the need for the Radhakrishnan panel to consider implementing standard operating procedures for adopting technological advancements to bolster the examination system. It emphasized that issues arising during the NEET-UG examination must be addressed by the Centre.
On July 23, the Supreme Court dismissed the petitions seeking cancellation and re-testing of the exam, citing a lack of evidence indicating a “systemic breach” of its integrity. The court’s interim verdict provided relief to the NDA government and the NTA, which had been facing intense scrutiny and protests, both on the streets and in Parliament, over allegations of large-scale malpractices, including question paper leaks, fraud, and impersonation in the prestigious exam held on May 5.
Over 23 lakh students took the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) in 2024, aspiring for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses. This examination is critical for medical aspirants across India, and the high participation underscores its significance.
The Supreme Court’s decision not to cancel NEET-UG 2024, despite the controversies, was grounded in the absence of substantial proof of a systemic breach. The bench’s detailed reasons underscored the need for consistent and reliable examination protocols, criticizing the NTA for its inconsistent responses throughout the year. This criticism was aimed at ensuring that the interests of students, who are the primary stakeholders, are adequately protected.
By expanding the remit of the Radhakrishnan-led panel, the court aimed to foster a more robust and reliable examination framework. The panel’s extended mandate to submit a comprehensive report by September 30 signals a move towards long-term reforms in the examination system, addressing both current deficiencies and future needs. The inclusion of technological advancements in these reforms is a forward-thinking step, acknowledging the role of technology in creating secure and efficient examination processes.
The court’s direction to rectify issues encountered during the NEET-UG examination underscores the need for immediate and practical solutions. The emphasis on adopting standard operating procedures for technological integration highlights the court’s recognition of technology’s potential to enhance examination integrity.
The July 23 interim verdict, which dismissed the pleas for cancellation and re-test, provided temporary relief to the NTA and the NDA government amid widespread criticism and protests. The allegations of large-scale malpractices had cast a shadow over the exam, with accusations of question paper leaks, fraud, and impersonation fueling demands for a re-test. The Supreme Court’s decision, however, was based on the lack of concrete evidence proving a systemic compromise of the exam’s sanctity.
In the face of these controversies, the participation of over 23 lakh students in NEET-UG 2024 highlights the exam’s pivotal role in the Indian education system. It serves as the gateway for medical aspirants seeking admissions to various courses, including MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and related disciplines. The large number of participants underscores the exam’s importance and the high stakes involved.
The Supreme Court’s judgment is a significant development in the ongoing debate over the integrity of NEET-UG 2024. By not canceling the exam and instead focusing on long-term reforms, the court has taken a balanced approach, aiming to protect the interests of students while addressing the systemic issues within the examination process. The expanded remit of the Radhakrishnan panel and the focus on technological advancements are steps towards a more secure and efficient examination system in the future.
Overall, the Supreme Court’s decision reflects a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in administering a nationwide examination like NEET-UG. It acknowledges the concerns raised by various stakeholders while providing a framework for addressing these issues in a structured and systematic manner. The emphasis on technological advancements and standard operating procedures is particularly noteworthy, as it aligns with global best practices in examination management and security.
The interim relief provided to the NTA and the NDA government allows them to address the immediate concerns while working towards implementing the recommendations of the Radhakrishnan panel. This approach aims to restore confidence in the examination system and ensure that the interests of the vast number of students who participate in NEET-UG are adequately safeguarded.