No proposal to scrap NEET; CBI probing alleged paper leak, irregularities: Govt tells Parliament

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Education has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged irregularities including conspiracy, breach, and cheating in the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2024; and formed a high-level committee to recommend reforms in the exam system and functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA), the minister of state for education Sukanta Majumdar told the Rajya Sabha in a written response.

The MoS was replying to the question regarding action taken by the NTA to address allegations of NEET paper leak and irregularities.

“To suggest effective measures for conducting transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations by the NTA, the Ministry of Education has constituted on 22.06.2024 a seven member high-level committee of experts, headed by Dr K Radhakrishnan, former chairman ISRO and chairman BoG, IIT Kanpur to make recommendations on reforms in mechanism of examination process, improvement in data security protocols and structure and functioning of NTA,” Majumdar said in his reply to the Parliamentary question.

The panel will analyze the whole examination process, review standard operating protocols thoroughly, and evaluate the existing data security protocols and submit a report within two months, he added.

While replying to the query on measures being taken to mitigate the impact of these malpractices on students, the minister said that the centre has enacted the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024 .

No proposal to scrap NEET, counselling process

In response to another question on reported paper leaks in the NEET UG 2024 exam held on May 5 and whether NEET UG counselling will be cancelled, restoring the old system, Majumdar said, “NEET(UG) Examination has been introduced for the standardization of admission to undergraduate medical courses in the country. NEET(UG) seeks to uphold merit and to prevent exploitation, profiteering, and commercialisation of education. Currently, there is no proposal under consideration to scrap NEET(UG) Examination/Counselling of the NEET(UG) 2024 Examination.”

The minister informed the upper house of the Parliament that there has been only one instance of breach in the NEET question paper and the CBI is probing it.

On being asked about transparency in exam and steps taken for students to cope stress, the MoS replied that NTA has uploaded city and centre-wise NEET results 2024 without disclosing students’ identities and is facilitating them through help desk and dedicated email.

“NEET(UG) 2024 Examination was not postponed/rescheduled. Re-Test in respect of only 1563 candidates of the aforesaid examination was held as recommended by Higher-Powered Committee of NTA and submitted before court which observed the recommendations to be fair, reasonable and justified,” the member of Rajya Sabha further said while answering examination process related questions.