Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met with NEET aspirants at his residence on Thursday amid ongoing controversy over alleged irregularities in this year’s medical entrance exam.

Sources indicate that the students expressed concerns about the uncertainty surrounding the exam held in May, delays in the counseling process, and the academic calendar. Despite calls for a retest, the education ministry has stated that instances of paper leaks were localized and canceling the entire exam would unfairly impact the many students who passed legitimately.

The issue has reached the Supreme Court, which postponed the hearing on petitions for exam cancellation and a retest until July 18. Petitioners also demanded an investigation into the alleged malpractices.

The ministry informed the Supreme Court that IIT Madras conducted a data analysis of the NEET-UG 2024 results, finding no evidence of mass malpractice or abnormal scoring by localized groups.

The government’s stance is significant given the Supreme Court’s remarks on July 8 suggesting a re-test if widespread malpractices were proven. The CBI is currently investigating the matter.

Over 23.33 lakh students took the NEET-UG on May 5 at 4,750 centers across 571 cities, including 14 overseas locations.

In previous affidavits, the Centre and NTA argued that canceling the exam would be “counterproductive” and harm the prospects of numerous honest candidates without proof of a large-scale breach.

The NEET-UG, conducted by the NTA, is required for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses in government and private institutions nationwide.

Source: PTI

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