Page Sequencing Error: SC directs manual evaluation of NEET-UG aspirant's answer script

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the manual evaluation of the answer script of a NEET-UG 2025 aspirant, who alleged erroneous page sequencing in his question paper. A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and K V Viswanathan ordered the result of evaluation to be placed on record. "He (petitioner) will have the satisfaction of getting his papers manually checked," the bench said.

The aspirant said claimed wrong sequencing of pages in the NEET-UG question paper. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) examination is conducted by the National Testing Agency for admissions to MBBS, BDS and AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country.

Additional Solicitor General Archana Pathak Dave, appearing for the respondents, put of a copy of the question paper on record to explain that the mistake arose due to incorrect stapling. "However, in order to satisfy ourselves, we direct that the petitioner's paper shall be evaluated manually and the result of the evaluation be placed on the record. The said exercise shall be carried out within a period of one week," the bench said. Dave said stapling of question paper was a manual exercise.

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"The least that could be done is to give the questions in seriatim," the bench said. It added, "Look at the panic of the candidate. It is not an ordinary exam." The law officer said only semi-skilled or semi-literate people were employed for the stapling work. "If we give it to a literate person and if he staples it, we know for sure that one or two questions he can memorise and they can go out," she said, calling it a "rarest of rare" instance. The bench, however, remarked that "17-18 year old" students were dying by suicide. "Please don't try to justify," the top court said and posted the hearing for August 12.

If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts or tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling 9820466726 or visiting AASRA’s official website or can call iCALL on 9152987821. Here are some more helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.