Assam government proposes measures to ensure fair NEET exams amid malpractice concerns

NEW DELHI: The Assam Government has proposed a set of measures to ensure the fair conduct of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) following concerns about irregularities in private examination centres. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held a virtual meeting with the Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and his team.

The meeting was prompted by a discreet inquiry by Assam police, which suspected that some students appearing in NEET at private exam centres were securing unusually high marks. “We sought this meeting following a discreet inquiry by @assampolice where it was suspected that some students clearing NEET in private exam centres in the state were securing abnormally high marks,” Assam CM posted on X.

To address these concerns, the state government has recommended that all NEET examination centres be set up only in Government or Government-aided colleges. The state has also proposed a series of steps for the secure handling of examination materials, including measures for their movement, distribution and storage.

Aadhaar, biometrics for verification

The proposed safeguards include Aadhaar-based or biometric verification of candidates at examination centres, CCTV coverage during the exam, and a standard operating procedure (SOP) for frisking candidates. The district commissioner and superintendent of police will visit each centre before the exam, and arrangements will be made for proper sanitation of venues.

Senior civil services and police officers will be deployed to monitor and review the preparation and conduct of the exam. The Chief Secretary of Assam, the Director General of Police and the NTA Director General will work in close coordination to ensure detailed planning and implementation.

“Close coordination between the @CSAssam, @DGPAssamPolice and the Director General, National Testing Agency for meticulous planning,” the official post said.

Focus on transparent exam process

The government has further stated that there will be zero tolerance towards any form of malpractice and strict legal action will be taken against those involved in any illegal activities. The state administration has committed to conducting NEET and all other exams in a transparent manner.

“We are committed to holding every exam with the highest level of transparency, and NEET being a very important exam, we are deploying all assets to ensure its fair and smooth conduct,” the official post said.

The NEET UG 2025 exam will be conducted on May 4 in a single shift from 2 pm to 5 pm. As per the official schedule, the NEET UG city intimation slip 2025 will be released by April 26. The testing agency will issue the NEET UG admit card 2025 by May 1.