Calls for a re-examination of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) 2024 (NEET UG 2024) have intensified. It is following the allegations of malpractice and errors in the exam process. The National Testing Agency (NTA), is facing scrutiny and demands for transparency. Students, parents, and educators are protesting against it.
What is NEET?
NEET, or the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test, is an exam for UG medical courses in India. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to medical courses. It is for courses MBBS, BDS, and other medical fields. It is for approved colleges across the country. Students can get admission in both government and non-government colleges.
Early Release and Remarkable Scores
The NEET UG 2024 results were declared surprisingly early on June 4, 2024, ten days ahead of schedule. This coincided with the 2024 general election results. 67 students achieved exceptionally high scores, with a percentile of 99.997129%. Additionally, the cut-off scores for all categories showed an unexpected increase this year.
Demographics of NEET UG 2024 Candidates
Over 2.4 million students appeared for NEET UG 2024. It included males, females, and third-gender candidates. A significant number qualified for the exam. But concerns have been raised about the fairness and accuracy of the results.
Social Media Allegations Surface
Allegations of cheating and irregularities surfaced on social media platforms. Some pointed out examples where top-ranking students had consecutive roll numbers from the same exam center. It raises doubts about the integrity of the process. Additionally, there were questions about the transparency of the NTA’s scoring system.
NTA’s Explanation and Controversial Grace Marks
The NTA explained that some students received unusually high scores of 718 and 719 out of 720. It is due to the awarding of grace marks. This decision was reportedly based on a court order to compensate for lost exam time. The lack of clarity surrounding the grace marks allocation has led to discontent among students.
Parental Concerns and Demand for Re-examination
Parents have joined students in demanding a re-examination. They are expressing concerns about potential malpractice. They allege involvement of private coaching institutes. They emphasize the need for fairness to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates.
Irregularities Across States Deepen Controversy
Reports of irregularities in Bihar, Gujarat, and Odisha have further fueled the controversy. In Bihar, 13 individuals were arrested for alleged malpractice. In Gujarat’s Godhra district, a teacher was accused of aiding students in cheating.
Before the exam, a video alleging the leakage of NEET UG 2024 questions went viral. But, the NTA dismissed these allegations as baseless, without providing more evidence.
Call for Transparency and Fairness
Students are demanding transparency from the NTA. People are urging the release of the court order from June 13, 2018. It is the ruling which supposedly justified the allocation of grace marks. They argue that last-minute changes to exam scoring methods reduce the fairness of the process.
Conclusion
The demand for a NEET UG 2024 re-examination increases. It highlights the need for the NTA to address concerns over malpractice, errors, and transparency. Upholding the integrity of NEET is important. It is to maintain the trust in the medical education system.
