UGC NET 2024 Cancelled: ABVP burns effigy of NTA in protest over exam irregularities

NEW DELHI: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged a strong protest in Delhi University's faculty of arts on Wednesday, burning an effigy of the National Testing Agency (NTA). The demonstration was in response to widespread irregularities in examinations such as UGC NET, NEET conducted by the NTA and recent paper leak issues. The ABVP demanded stringent legal action against those involved in these malpractices.

The protest was fueled by numerous recent instances of irregularities and paper leaks in exams overseen by the NTA. These include the recent chaos surrounding the NEET UG 2024 exam and the cancellation of the UGC NET 2024 exam held on June 18. ABVP leaders accused the NTA of corruption and irresponsibility, highlighting the detrimental impact on students' futures.

Shivangi Kharwal, national minister of ABVP, expressed concerns over the recurring incidents of examination malpractices. "Continuous occurrence of such incidents raises questions about our education system. We demand the government take immediate and strict action against the culprits to prevent any future occurrences of malpractices, irregularity, and paper leaks in examinations," she said.

NTA is a corrupt agency: ABVP

Harsh Attri, ABVP Delhi state minister, criticized the NTA as a corrupt agency. He highlighted the recent irregularities in the NEET UG and UGC NET exams as major disappointments. He said, “NTA has become the synonym of corruption, it is playing with student's future.”

UGC NET 2024 Protest: Support from student leaders

The protest saw participation from Delhi University students, student union president Tushar Dedha and secretary Aparajita, along with a large number of exam candidates. They collectively called for accountability and immediate reforms to ensure fair and transparent examination processes.

PhD admission also in limbo due to cancellation of UGC NET 2024: ABVP

According to ABVP, the cancellation of the UGC NET exam has caused widespread confusion and anxiety among students. This year, PhD admissions will also be based on UGC NET scores, leaving many candidates uncertain about their future. The ABVP has urged the ministry of education to clarify the situation promptly to avoid wasting students' time and future.

Yajnavalkya Shukla, ABVP national general secretary, voiced concerns, stating that continuous irregularities in examinations are disturbing and unacceptable. He said, "The continuous incidents of irregularities in examinations are disturbing and unfortunate which not only raise questions on the credibility of examination agencies like NTA but are also playing with the future of the students. This situation is not acceptable in any way. The cancellation of UGC NET exam has affected the candidates preparing for UGC NET as well as PhD admission.”

Demand for CBI probe and action

The ABVP has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the frequent irregularities in examinations. They demand strict punishment for those responsible, including government officials if involved. The ABVP emphasized the need for a transparent and fair examination system to restore students' faith and ensure their future is not compromised.