The government has denied any mass malpractice in the NEET-UG 2024 exam. This denial is based on a report by IIT Madras, which was attached to an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court. The affidavit was submitted on Wednesday in response to allegations of irregularities in the medical entrance exam held on May 5. The Supreme Court had previously asked the Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA) to provide responses regarding the extent of the paper leak and the possibility of segregating wrongdoers from others.
IIT Madras Report Findings
The IIT Madras report, which involved data analytics on the NEET-UG exam, indicated no signs of mass malpractice or localized benefit leading to abnormal scores. According to the report, there were no abnormalities detected in the exam results. This report was pivotal in shaping the Centre’s stance on the allegations.
Supreme Court Hearing
During the hearing on Monday, July 8, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud acknowledged the question paper leak as an “admitted fact.” He emphasized the need to understand the extent of the leak before deciding on the possibility of a re-examination. The Chief Justice highlighted the challenge of dealing with 23 lakh students and the implications of any decision to hold a re-examination.
Government’s Position
The government’s affidavit stressed the importance of a balanced approach. It stated that while no candidate guilty of malpractice should benefit, it is also crucial not to burden 23 lakh students with a fresh test based on unsupported apprehensions. The affidavit reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the issue comprehensively and ensuring fairness for all candidates.
Allegations and Protests
The allegations of irregularities in the NEET-UG exam have led to widespread protests and political outcry across India. Critics have pointed to paper leaks and discrepancies in granting grace marks as evidence of malpractice. The fact that an unprecedented 67 students scored a perfect 720, with six top scorers from a single centre in Haryana, has further fueled suspicions.
Increase in Marks
The Centre attributed the overall increase in marks obtained by students to a reduction in the syllabus. The government explained that the increase in marks, particularly in the range of 550 to 720, was observed across various cities and centres. This widespread increase in scores indicated a low likelihood of malpractice, according to the affidavit.
Counselling Process
In its affidavit, the Centre outlined the counselling process for NEET-UG candidates. Counselling will be conducted in four rounds, starting from the third week of July. The government emphasized that any candidate found to have benefited from malpractice would have their candidature cancelled at any stage of the counselling process or even afterward. The affidavit also mentioned that the NTA and the Union government would need to make a policy-level decision regarding the status of counselling if further beneficiaries of the question paper leakage were identified.
Conclusion
The Centre’s denial of mass malpractice in the NEET-UG exam, supported by the IIT Madras report, is a significant development in the ongoing controversy. The government’s commitment to ensuring a fair process while addressing concerns of malpractice is evident in its detailed affidavit. As the Supreme Court continues to hear petitions regarding the alleged irregularities, the focus will remain on achieving a balanced and just resolution for all stakeholders involved.
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