NEET 2024 Row: Centre orders CBI investigation into alleged irregularities; re-exam today

NEW DELHI: Following the NEET controversy, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has decided to hand over the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for probe into the alleged irregularities and malpractices. The education ministry earlier formed a high-level committee to ensure transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations through the National Testing Agency (NTA). Meanwhile, the NEET re-exam 2024 for 1,563 candidates will be conducted today in six cities from 2 pm to 5 pm.

The MoE also appointed Pradeep Singh Kharola as the additional director general of NTA and moved former DG Subodh Kumar Singh to another department. The decisions come after the widespread protests against NTA and education minister Dharmendra Pradhan following the paper leak allegations and ‘corruption’ in the National Eligibility Entrance Test and demands for a CBI probe under the supervision of the Supreme Court.

“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,” said MoE in an official notice.

Anti-cheating bill, NEET re-exam

The ministry also mentioned that the central government has enacted the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to prevent unfair means in the public examinations and to provide for related issues.

“Government is committed to ensure the sanctity of examinations and protect the interest of students. It is reiterated that any individual/ organization found to be involved will face strictest action,” the ministry said. The education ministry did mention that certain cases of irregularities, cheating, impersonation, or malpractices have been reported in the NEET exam this year.

Recently, the Supreme Court cancelled NEET results 2024 of the 1,500 candidates who got grace marks and NTA had informed that a retest will be held for these students. NEET UG 2024 was initially held on May 5 for admission to MBBS, BDS admissions.