NEET verdict clears govt's stand on 'tamper-free, transparent, zero-error' exam system: Dharmendra Pradhan

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has dismissed petitions seeking a re-examination of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2024 amid concerns of paper leak, stating that there was no systemic breach of the exam's sanctity. Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan welcomed the verdict, reiterating its commitment to a "tamper-free, transparent, and zero-error examination system."

“We whole-heartedly thank the Hon’ble Supreme Court for delivering justice and protecting the interests of lakhs of hardworking students. We shall implement Hon'ble Supreme Court’s judgement in letter and spirit,” Dharmendra Pradhan posted on X.

To further strengthen the exam process, the government announced its intention to implement the recommendations of a high-level committee of experts as soon as they are submitted.

As per the PTI report, the bench said the Radhakrishnan panel should consider framing standard operating procedures for the adoption of technological advancements to strengthen the examination system.

NEET UG 2024 Paper Leak: Arrests so far

The Court stated that there was no systemic breach in the NEET-UG examination except in the areas of Hazaribagh and Patna. On August 1, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed its first charge sheet in the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case, naming 13 individuals as defendants.

The charge sheet names several individuals as accused in the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case, including Nitish Kumar, Amit Anand, Sikander Yadvendu, Ashutosh Kumar (1), Roshan Kumar, Manish Prakash, Ashutosh Kumar (2), Akhilesh Kumar, Avdesh Kumar, Anurag Yadav, Abhishek Kumar, Shivnandan Kumar, and Ayush Raj. The CBI has stated that supplementary charge sheets will be filed once the investigation into these individuals is concluded.

Over 23 lakh students appeared for the NEET-UG 2024 on May 5 for admissions to Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH), and other related courses. The exam was held at 4,750 centres in 571 cities, including 14 international locations.