- The Ministry of Education has tasked the CBI with conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged irregularities, cheating, impersonation, and other malpractices reported during the NEET (UG) Examination 2024.
- The government announced, “For transparency on the conduct of the examination process, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, after a review, has decided to entrust the matter to the CBI for comprehensive investigation.”
- The Central Government has enacted the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. This law aims to prevent unfair practices in public examinations and address related issues.
- The government reiterated its commitment to maintaining the sanctity of examinations and protecting the interests of students. It warned that strict action would be taken against any individuals or organizations found guilty of malpractices.
- The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting the NEET-UG exams, is facing severe criticism over the alleged irregularities. The controversy has sparked protests across the country, with demonstrators and political parties calling for the disbandment of the NTA. Concerns were heightened when an unprecedented 67 candidates achieved a perfect score of 720 marks.
- On June 13, the NTA informed the Supreme Court that the scorecards of 1,563 candidates who received “grace marks” would be canceled. These candidates were given the opportunity to retake the examination on June 23, with results expected before June 30.
- The Ministry of Education has constituted a high-level committee of experts to recommend reforms in the examination process, enhance data security protocols, and improve the functioning of the NTA.
- The seven-member committee, led by former ISRO chairman Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, will submit its report to the ministry within the next two months. The ministry stated, “In order to ensure transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of examinations through the NTA, the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education constituted a High-Level Committee of Experts.”
- In response to the criticism, the Centre removed Subodh Singh, Director General of the NTA, from his position on Saturday. Pradeep Singh Kharola, currently Chairman and Managing Director of India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), has been given additional responsibility as the head of the NTA until a permanent replacement is appointed.
- Bihar Police detained six more individuals from Jharkhand’s Deoghar district on Friday in connection with the alleged leak of the NEET paper. Previously, the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) had apprehended 13 individuals, including the main suspect, Sikandar Yadavendu. The EOU is also considering conducting narco analysis and brain mapping tests on the accused.
