The six individuals arrested in connection with the NEET-UG case underwent medical examinations at LNJP Hospital in Patna, Bihar. The Bihar Police arrested the suspects in Deoghar, Jharkhand, on June 21.
Following the central government’s decision to assign the investigation into the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 exam to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the CBI promptly registered an FIR. The Ministry of Education noted, “The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the NEET (UG) Examination on May 5, 2024, in OMR (Pen and paper) mode. Certain cases of alleged irregularities/cheating/impersonation/malpractices have been reported.
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 Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for comprehensive investigation. The Central Government has also enacted the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to prevent unfair means in public examinations and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.”
The government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity of examinations and protecting student interests, stating, “The government is committed to ensuring the sanctity of examinations and protecting the interest of students. It is reiterated that any individual/organization found to be involved will face the strictest action.”
The NTA has faced criticism over the alleged irregularities, leading to widespread protests and demands from political parties for its disbandment. Concerns were heightened by the unprecedented achievement of 67 candidates scoring a perfect 720 out of 720.
In response, the Ministry of Education has formed a high-level committee of experts to recommend reforms in the examination process and improvements in data security protocols. This 7-member committee, led by former ISRO chairman Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, will submit its report within the next two months.
The Ministry stated, “In order to ensure transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of examinations through the National Testing Agency (NTA), the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education constituted a High-Level Committee of Experts to make recommendations on reform in the mechanism of examination process improvement in data security protocols and the structure and functioning of the National Testing Agency.”