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NEET-UG Paper Leak Scandal: CBI Files 5th Chargesheet

November 22, 2024, 9:37 pm

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed its fifth chargesheet in the NEET-UG 2024 question paper theft case, presenting it before the Court of Special Judge for CBI in Patna. This latest chargesheet implicates five individuals: Amit Kumar Singh from Dhanbad; Sudip Kumar and Yuvraj Kumar, both from Bokaro; Abhimanyu Patel from Nalanda; and Amit Kumar from Patna. All five are currently in judicial custody, bringing the total number of individuals charged in this case to 45.

The chargesheet includes various sections of the Indian Penal Code, such as:

Section 120-B: Criminal Conspiracy
Section 109: Abetment
Section 409: Criminal Breach of Trust
Section 420: Cheating
Section 380: Theft
Section 201: Causing Disappearance of Evidence
Section 411: Dishonestly Receiving Stolen Property

Additionally, charges under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018), have been applied.

Prior to this, the CBI had filed four chargesheets on August 1, September 19, October 5, and November 7, naming 40 other accused individuals. The investigation was taken over by the CBI from Shastri Nagar Police Station, Patna, on June 23, 2024.

The CBI has identified candidates who benefited from the paper theft and MBBS students who either solved the stolen paper or appeared as impersonators. These details have been shared with the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Ministry of Education for further action.

The NEET-UG, conducted by the NTA, is a nationwide examination for admissions to undergraduate medical courses in both government and private institutions. The 2024 exam was held on May 5. Following allegations of a paper leak, the Bihar Police initiated an investigation, which was subsequently handed over to the CBI by the central government.

Investigations revealed that the NEET-UG 2024 question paper was stolen from the control room of OASIS School in Hazaribagh on the morning of May 5, after the trunks containing the question papers arrived from the bank vault. Pankaj Kumar, one of the accused, was reportedly granted access to the control room by the school’s Principal, Ahsanul Haque, and Vice Principal, Imtiyaz Alam.

According to the CBI, Pankaj Kumar tampered with the trunk’s hinges, extracted a question paper, photographed all its pages, replaced the paper, resealed the trunk, and exited the control room. He then handed the photographs to his accomplice, Surendra Kumar Sharma, at Raj Guest House in Hazaribagh. The stolen question papers were printed and given to a group of MBBS students—Karan Jain, Kumar Shanu, Rahul Anand, Chandan Singh, Surbhi Kumari, Deependra Sharma, Raunak Raj, Sandeep Kumar, and Amit Kumar—who solved the paper.
THE HINDU

The solved question papers were subsequently distributed to candidates present at Raj Guest House, Hazaribagh, and scanned copies were sent digitally to predetermined locations where other gang members received them. Only those who had paid in advance were granted access to these locations. After the exams, candidates were prohibited from taking any printed copies with them. The CBI discovered half-burnt pieces of the question paper at Learn Play School in Patna, which led them to OASIS School.

In a related development, the CBI has filed a fifth supplementary chargesheet in the NEET-UG examination paper leak case, naming key gang member Amit Kumar Singh and four others. The charges include criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption. The paper, intended for candidates across India, was leaked and distributed illegally.

The NEET-UG is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses in government and private institutions.

The CBI has been investigating the theft and leakage of the NEET-UG 2024 question paper since June 23, 2024, subsequent to taking over of the Case No. 358/2024, dated 05.05.2024, registered under Sections 407/408/409/120(B) of the IPC, at the Shastrinagar police station (Patna), Bihar.

The investigation revealed that the NEET-UG 2024 question paper was stolen from the control room of OASIS School in Hazaribagh on May 5. The theft occurred after the trunks containing the question papers arrived from the bank vault.

The CBI filed the first chargesheet in the case on August 1, charging 13 individuals for criminal conspiracy, cheating, and other provisions of the Indian Penal Code.

The CBI has also identified the beneficiary candidates of the paper leak and shared their details with the National Testing Agency for necessary action.

The CBI filed the second charges

sheet on September 19, naming 12 more individuals in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak case. This was followed by the third chargesheet on October 5, implicating 10 additional suspects, and the fourth on November 7, identifying five more accused. Each of these chargesheets has progressively unraveled the depth and complexity of the conspiracy, revealing a well-coordinated network of individuals involved in the theft, solving, and distribution of the stolen question paper.

The investigation has highlighted the role of key institutions and officials whose actions facilitated the paper leak. This includes the involvement of staff at OASIS School, Hazaribagh, where the control room was manipulated to steal the question paper, and other accomplices who disseminated the solved papers to candidates who paid substantial sums to gain unfair advantages.

Digital Trail and Payments

According to the CBI, the operation included a digital component where solved papers were scanned and distributed through encrypted messaging platforms. Payments for these services were made in advance, with candidates depositing money via both online banking channels and cash transactions. The examination center locations involved in these activities were strategically chosen to evade early detection.

Consequences for Beneficiary Candidates

The CBI has also shared the names of candidates who benefited from the stolen paper with the National Testing Agency (NTA). These candidates face the possibility of being disqualified, having their results annulled, and being barred from appearing in future competitive examinations. The NTA, in coordination with the Ministry of Education, is expected to implement stringent measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Strengthening NEET-UG Security

In response to the paper leak, the Ministry of Education and the NTA are reportedly revisiting the security protocols for NEET-UG. This includes enhancing surveillance during the transport of question papers, deploying tamper-proof packaging, and implementing biometric verification for entry into examination centers. The authorities are also exploring technological solutions like blockchain to secure question paper management.

The paper leak scandal has sparked widespread outrage among students and parents, many of whom have demanded stringent action against those involved. The case has also reignited debates on the need for systemic reforms in the conduct of national-level competitive examinations.

Legal experts have emphasized the importance of deterrent punishment for those involved to uphold the integrity of such examinations. Meanwhile, education policy analysts have pointed out the necessity for a more transparent and technologically advanced framework to eliminate vulnerabilities in the examination system.

Also read: 2024 Deadliest Year for Aid Workers: UN

The next court hearing in the NEET-UG paper leak case is scheduled soon, where the charges against the latest accused will be examined in detail. The CBI is continuing its investigation to uncover any remaining culprits and to ensure accountability at all levels involved in this scandal.

2024 Exam Crisis In India: Technology Failures, Corruption, And Student Impact Exposed

August 3, 2024, 10:28 am

In 2024, India has faced serious problems with several important exams, including the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for undergraduates (NEET UG), the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET), and the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). These issues have revealed major weaknesses in the exam system and have had significant impacts on everyone involved, especially students.

Reports of exam paper leaks for NEET UG surfaced in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where question papers were allegedly shared hours before the exams. There were also many technical problems, including server failures and issues with biometric verification systems. The UGC NET, crucial for determining eligibility for teaching and research fellowships, also faced difficulties. The switch to an entirely offline format did not go as planned, and there were reports of paper leaks as well. The CUET, used for undergraduate admissions, encountered its own set of challenges, including poor management, wrong exam center allocations, last-minute schedule changes, and errors in the question papers.

Several underlying factors contributed to these problems. A major issue is the outdated technology used in the exam infrastructure. The rapid move to digital testing hasn’t been matched by improvements in technology and security. Many exam centers are not equipped to handle the technical demands, leading to frequent crashes and software failures. Moreover, the staff managing these systems often lack proper training.

Administrative inefficiencies also play a big role. Centralized management of these exams can result in poor communication and coordination at the local level. This often leads to delays, incorrect center allocations, and other logistical issues. Bureaucratic delays and a lack of accountability among officials add to these problems, making the administration of exams even more complicated.

Corruption and malpractices are significant issues too. The high stakes of these exams make them targets for dishonest practices. Incidents of bribery, organized crime involvement in paper leaks, and unfair means used by candidates undermine the integrity of the exams. These issues not only harm the merit system but also erode public trust in the education system.

The effects on stakeholders are deep and widespread. Students, who are the main stakeholders, are most affected. The stress and uncertainty caused by these problems can lead to severe psychological effects like anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. The credibility of their hard work is questioned, causing demotivation and disillusionment. Parents, who invest a lot of time, money, and emotion in their children’s education, also suffer. They face financial burdens from repeated exams, additional coaching, and potential legal fees. Regulatory bodies responsible for these exams are under immense pressure to restore trust and ensure smooth and fair exams in the future. They need to implement technological upgrades, improve administrative processes, and tackle corruption.

To tackle these challenges, a comprehensive approach is needed. Improving technology is crucial. This means upgrading hardware and software systems and ensuring strong cybersecurity to prevent leaks and other issues. Regular system audits and stress tests can help identify and fix vulnerabilities. Training staff to handle technical problems effectively is also important.

Administrative reforms are needed as well. Decentralizing some aspects of the exam process can enhance efficiency and accountability. Establishing clear protocols and guidelines, and providing regular training for administrative staff, can help reduce errors and improve overall management. Greater transparency in the allocation of exam centers and the issuance of admit cards can also help minimize confusion.

Combating corruption requires a strong regulatory framework and strict enforcement of anti-corruption measures. This includes punishing those involved in wrongdoing and implementing preventive measures such as better monitoring, stricter verification processes, and advanced technologies like blockchain for secure record-keeping.

Finally, supporting students’ mental health is crucial. Providing counseling services and support systems can help students cope with the stress and anxiety caused by these issues. Educating students and parents about available resources and encouraging open conversations about mental health can help reduce the negative effects of exam-related stress.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh Urges SC to Reconsider Decision on NEET-UG 2024

August 2, 2024, 2:54 pm

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling against a re-examination of NEET-UG 2024, AAP MP Sanjay Singh has called for the court to revisit its decision. He emphasized that the apex court should consider the demand for a re-examination and reconsider its stance on the matter.

Speaking with ANI, Singh said, “I don’t want to comment on any verdict of the Court. But what has been in the public domain, how did 67 students get similar marks? All of them got 720 and topped the examinations. This happens in selected centres of Godhra and Haryana, and if nothing wrong has happened, why is a CBI inquiry being done, why did Bedi Ram’s name come into this who is the MLA of NDA?”

He further stated, “I think these things shouldn’t be ignored and the Court should look towards the demand for re-examination. The Supreme Court should take some time and reconsider its decision and conduct the NEET exam again.”

Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan posted about the Supreme Court’s decision on NEET-UG on his official X handle. He said, “‘Satya ke surya ko jhooth ka badal kuch samay ke liye chhipa sakta hai, par satya ki sada hi jeet hoti hai.’ (The cloud of lies may hide the sun of truth for some time, but truth always wins). Hon’ble Supreme Court’s observation on no systemic breach of sanctity in the NEET-UG exam and therefore no re-exam vindicates the stand of the government. The government stands committed to a ‘Tamper-free, Transparent & Zero-error examination system.’ To ensure the same, we shall implement recommendations of the high-level committee of experts, at the earliest once they are submitted.”

Expressing gratitude towards the apex court for delivering justice to students, Pradhan added, “The findings and the verdict outrightly reject the propaganda that was being peddled. We wholeheartedly 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 judgment in letter and spirit.”

The NEET UG 2024 examination, held on May 5, has been embroiled in controversy following allegations of paper leaks, irregularities, and time losses during the exam. This year’s NEET UG exam saw a substantial turnout, with 1,331,321 female candidates, 996,393 male candidates, and 17 transgender candidates participating. Initially, 67 candidates were announced as AIR 1, capturing significant attention before the results were revised.

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (UG) was held for more than 2.4 million candidates at 4,750 different centers in 571 cities throughout the country, including 14 cities outside India, on May 5, 2024.

NEET-UG 2024 : SC Confirms No Systemic Breach, Leak Limited to Patna and Hazaribagh

August 2, 2024, 11:30 am

The Supreme Court announced that there was no systemic failure in the administration of the NEET-UG 2024 examination on August 2. The court confirmed that the leak of the exam papers was confined to Patna and Hazaribagh only.

Chief Justice of India Chandrachud stated, “We have come to the conclusion that there was no systemic breach of the papers; the leak was only limited to Patna and Hazaribagh.”

The Supreme Court has established several guidelines to address paper leaks. Following the incidents in Hazaribagh and Patna, a committee was formed to implement these guidelines. Advocate Shwetank Sailakwal explained that the committee is tasked with overseeing paper transport, installing CCTV cameras, and preventing impersonation. The committee has been instructed to report back to the Supreme Court, with an extended deadline for the report submission.

Regarding the request for a re-test, the Supreme Court decided against it, citing no widespread breach of the exam’s integrity. The court criticized the National Testing Agency (NTA) for its inconsistent handling of the situation. The bench, including Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justices JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra, had previously rejected the plea for a re-examination on July 23 and indicated that detailed reasons for their decision would be provided later.

NEET UG 2024 Revised Scorecard Out Along With Final Answer Key : Click Here To Download

July 26, 2024, 7:33 pm

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the revised NEET UG 2024 scorecard today, July 26, 2024, in response to a Supreme Court directive. This revision was necessary due to an unclear Physics question, which led to an adjustment in the NEET UG merit list.

Following the Supreme Court’s order on July 23, 2024, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the revised results would be published within two days. Candidates can now access their updated results and download the revised scorecard from the official website.

To download the NEET UG Revised Scorecard 2024, follow these steps:

Go to the official NTA website at exams.nta.ac.in/NEET.
Click on the “NEET UG Revised Scorecard 2024” link.
Enter your login credentials and submit.
View and download the revised scorecard for your records.

Initially, the results released on June 4 showed 67 students sharing the top rank. However, the Supreme Court, following recommendations from an IIT-Delhi expert committee, has mandated that only one correct answer be accepted for the disputed Physics question.

The revised scorecard will affect approximately 4.2 lakh students who selected the previously accepted answer. Consequently, the number of top scorers is expected to decrease from 61 (after the NTA’s withdrawal of grace marks) to around 17.

NEET UG Revised Scorecard 2024: Counselling Process

After the release of the revised scorecard, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will begin the registration process for NEET-UG counselling. This process is crucial for admission to MBBS and BDS programs across India. During registration, candidates will choose their preferred colleges and courses during the choice-filing stage.

Supreme Court Directive on NEET UG Revised Scorecard 2024

On July 23, the Supreme Court directed the NTA to revise the scores, leading to the release of the NEET UG Revised Scorecard 2024. The court confirmed the NEET UG 2024 paper leaks in Patna and Hazaribagh and instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to continue investigating these leaks. Despite these issues, the court has allowed counselling and admissions to proceed as scheduled and called for new guidelines to prevent similar problems in the future. Additionally, the NTA must update the NEET UG merit list to reflect the answer recommended by the IIT-Delhi expert panel for the disputed Physics question.

Click here to download the NEET UG 2024 Revised Scorecard

Revised NEET-UG Merit List To Be Released Soon After SC Cancels Re-Test, Says Education Minister

July 24, 2024, 11:47 am

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to release a revised merit list for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) within two days, following directives from the Supreme Court. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced this update on Tuesday, soon after the court’s decision concerning the medical entrance exam.

The Supreme Court’s ruling, which dismissed petitions seeking the cancellation and retesting of NEET-UG 2024 due to allegations of paper leaks and irregularities, has provided relief to the government. However, the updated merit list could cause dissatisfaction among candidates due to potential changes in the number of toppers.

A student from Haryana expressed concern: “Why should candidates suffer again when the option they had ticked was considered right at the time of evaluation and marks were given to all for the same? The confusion was on the part of the exam conducting agency, not the students, who will have to bear the burden of someone else’s mistake.”

The Supreme Court confirmed that there was no evidence of a “systemic breach” in the exam’s integrity and instructed the NTA to declare results based on the correct answer to a disputed physics question. A report from IIT-Delhi identified option 4 as the sole correct answer, contradicting the NTA’s initial key that marked both options 2 and 4 as correct, which had led to an inflated number of toppers.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud explained, “Initially, the answer key by NTA showed the second option to a question as the correct answer. However, after representations were taken into account, both option 2 and 4 were considered correct answers. IIT Delhi’s director, leading a three-member committee, has submitted a report stating option 4 was the correct one. The NTA will re-tally the results based on the correct answer as per the IIT-Delhi report.”

During a press conference after the court’s decision, Pradhan emphasized the government’s stance on exam integrity: “If anybody is found involved in exam irregularities, they will not be spared. There is zero tolerance for any kind of breach. The sanctity of any exam is supreme for us.”

This interim verdict, favorable to the ruling BJP, which had faced criticism over the exam’s conduct, comes ahead of a detailed order. The NEET-UG, the country’s largest entrance exam with over 24 lakh registrations, will see its merit list revised according to the Supreme Court’s observations.

NEET-UG 2024: Decoding SC’s Refusal To Cancel The Examination

July 23, 2024, 8:53 pm

In a significant development related to the NEET-UG 2024 matter, the Supreme Court declined to cancel the examination National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test.

The apex court has entertained a batch of pleas, which was demanding re-examination of this medical test on the account of paper leak and malpractices.

But the bench consisting of CJI DY Chandrachud, JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra issued the order, which held that the tests were conducted on May 5. The Results were announced on June 4.

As per apex court, the re-examination will result in drastic consequences, that can impact 23 lakh students and will gravely affect the academic schedule.

Decoding the Reason Why SC Said No To NEET-UG 2024 Re-examination

According to supreme court, no data reflects systematic leak of question papers and other associated malpractices.

Talking about this point, CJI DY Chandrachud said ‘There is the absence of material to conclude that the result of the NEET-UG 2024 exam is vitiated or there is a systemic breach.’

But the court did say, that the question was leaked at Hazaribagh & Patna.

2. Second, after probe transfer, the CBI had lodged the status report The revelation made by CBI reveal, that the probe is still ongoing. But as per the investigation, around 155 students from Hazaribagh & Patna’s exam centres were hugely benefited from the scam.

3. Currently, there is no material on the record which implies that there is sanctity of examination system is tainted or the outcome of the exam stand vitated.

4. Moreover, the court is also aware of the fact that the conduct of NEET-UG 2024 retest will result in drastic consequences for the students. The following consequences will include interruption in admission schedule, ripple effects in medical education course. It also affects availability of qualified doctors in the future.

5. Lastly, a serious disadvantage will caused to marginalized students for whom seats have been reserved.

In addition, the supreme court has also announced that counseling and admission procedure for NEET-UG 2024 shall continue. In future, the top court will issue guidelines related to future conduct for upcoming exams.

NEET UG Counselling 2024 To Start On July 24: List Of Required Documents

July 21, 2024, 5:20 pm

During a Supreme Court hearing on July 18 regarding the NEET UG result cancellation, the National Testing Agency (NTA) informed the court that the online counselling process for MBBS courses is expected to begin on July 24.

The Supreme Court ordered the National Testing Agency (NTA) to release the center-by-center NEET UG results while maintaining candidate anonymity. The next hearing is scheduled for July 22.

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and state counselling bodies are likely to announce notifications and schedules for All India Quota (AIQ) and state quota medical counselling in the near future.

When NEET UG counselling begins, applicants must log in to mcc.nic.in using their credentials to register and make their selections.

The MCC oversees NEET UG counselling for 15% of All India Quota seats and 100% of seats at deemed universities, central universities, ESIC, AFMC, IP University, AIIMS, and JIPMER institution.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Allotment Letter issued by MCC
NEET 2024 Result/ Rank letter issued by NTA
Hall tickets issued by NTA
Date of Birth Certificate
Class 10th Certificate
Class 10+2 Certificate
Class 10+2 Marks Sheet
8 Passport-size photographs (same as affixed on the application form)
Identity proof (Aadhar/ PAN/ Driving Licence/ Passport)

NEET-UG Retest: 6 Students From Haryana Centre Get Highest Score Of 682

July 20, 2024, 10:03 pm

In a significant development related to the NEET-UG controversy, students from Haryana centre, have this time scored above 682 in recently revised UG results.

Earlier, the six candidates from Haryana public centre of Jhajjar district, received perfect score of 720 out of 720. A result, which acted as a catalyst for country-wide protests. Subsequently, bringing the case of paper leak & alleged discrepancies to the fore.

Later, when the case was presented before supreme court, the scores got revised following retest directed by apex court.

As per city wise-centre-wise results declared by NTA just 13 students from Hardayal Public School centre, have acquired above 600 marks. Reports PTI.

Brief Information On NEET-UG Test Controversy

On May 5th, the national Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG) was held at 4,750 exam centres. This examination witnessed the participation of 24 lakh students.

Even though, the results were supposed to be released on June 14. But citing early completion of evaluation process, NTA announced the results earlier on June 4.

But the controversy started, when 67 students (6 from Haryana centre) received a perfect & precise score 720/720.

Thus, implying the presence of discrepancies in the results. Later, it was alleged, that provision of grace marks aided many students in getting the top rank.

However, after many protests and controversy, NTA eventually held retest, following the removal of grace marks given to students. These marks were provided on the basis of delay in starting the exam at centres of Meghalaya, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Chandigarh.

NEET-UG 2024: SC Demands NTA To Release Results Of All Students, Keeping Their Identity Anonymous

July 18, 2024, 9:42 pm

In a significant development related to the NEET-UG exam controversy, the Supreme Court has ordered NTA (National Testing Agency) to release marks acquired by candidates, who appeared for NEET-UG 2024 on its website.

Furthermore, it also announced, that identity of the students should be anonymous.

Moreover, on Thursday, the bench of CJI DY Chandrachud, Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra also demanded that results should be released separately. Both city & centre-wise by 12 noon on saturday.

The apex court delivered this direction, when student petitioner asked the testing agency to release the results of all students. So that, transparency can be established.

While issuing the order the court said ‘The petitioners have submitted that it would be appropriate if the results of the NEET-UG 24 exam is published on the website so as to bring about some transparency on the centre-wise marks obtained by candidates. We direct the NTA to publish the marks obtained by students in the NEET-UG 2024 exam while at the same time ensuring that the identity of the students is masked. The results should be declared in relation to each centre and city separately.’

The top court was entertaining a bunch of pleas, which demanded the recall of NEET-UG 2024 results and conduct the exam from the scratch, alleging paper leak and malpractice.

During the course of the hearing, the court raised various questions to NTA regarding paper leak and alleged malpractice. It also asked NTA that how many students changed their centers.

In response NTA declared, that around 15,000 students used the window of corrections and center change.

In addition, NTA also added, that students have the option of only changing the city. They do not have the option to choose the centre.

They also said that allotment is only made by the system, and it is done two days before the exam. Hence, nobody knows who’s going to get which centre.

Opposition To Results Publication

Earlier, solicitor general Tushar Mehta appearing for the center, opposed the publishing of whole results saying that the results are the property of the students.

But responding to this argument Narendar Hooda said, that there is no reason from centre or NTA’s side to refrain from releasing the results centre-wise, as the identities will remain anonymous.

Hooda further argued that release of whole results will aid the petitioner in tracking the specific concentration of perfect scores, both city & centre-wise.

Currently, the supreme court has scheduled the next hearing on this matter on July 22. In all eventuality, will finish the case by afternoon.

NEET-UG 2024: 3 Doctors From AIIMS Patna Apprehended

July 18, 2024, 5:55 pm

In a significant related to the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak investigation, three doctors of AIIMS Patna have been detained for their connection with the paper solver gang.

These resident doctors have been apprehended as a part of CBI’s investigation into discrepancies present in NEET-UG 2024.

According to News18’s source, they were allegedly to be part of the group, that cleared the paper for the candidates.

Furthermore, the CBI has taken three doctors into custody and is currently interrogating them about their connection with the gang. Which solved the paper.

As per the source, they are currently probing, whether solved paper was given to the beneficiaries only or it reached others as well.

Moreover, they also revealed that CBI has taken their mobile phones & laptops away. In addition, their hostel room has also been closed.

Yesterday on July 17, CBI has also detained two other accused including the one who stole the paper from NTA’s trunk in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh.

The culprit has been identified as Pankaj Kumar alias Aditya, who belonged to the 2017 batch of Jamshedpur’s national institute of technology. He apparently stole the NEET-UG paper from NTA trunk at Hazaribagh.

The central agency has also managed to detain another culprit named Raju Singh, who aided Kumar, in stealing the paper. He was also arrested from Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh.

Interestingly as per earlier reports, there were irregularities present in the trunk, through which the question papers reached the Hazaribagh’s Oasis School.

Supreme Court Reviews NEET UG 2024 Retest Pleas Amid Exam Irregularities | Top 10 Key Updates

July 18, 2024, 1:41 pm

The Supreme Court is currently addressing multiple pleas for a NEET UG 2024 retest, citing alleged irregularities in the exam. The bench, comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, emphasized the social impact of their decision.

Top 10 Updates from the Supreme Court Hearing

Hearing Prioritization
“We will open the case today. Lakhs of young students are waiting for this, let us hear and decide,” said the top court, prioritizing the NEET-UG pleas over other cases.
Demonstrating Widespread Impact
The bench asked the petitioners to prove that the alleged paper leak was widespread and impacted the entire examination, justifying its cancellation.
Re-Examination Criteria
CJI Chandrachud stated that any re-examination order must be based on concrete evidence that the sanctity of the entire test was compromised.
Ongoing CBI Probe
The bench mentioned that revealing details of the ongoing CBI investigation could affect the probe and potentially alert wrongdoers.
Systemic Leak Evidence
Petitioners were told they must show that the leak was systemic and affected the entire exam to warrant its cancellation.
IIT Madras Report
Senior advocate Narender Hooda presented the IIT Madras report, which indicated no signs of mass malpractice or localized benefit leading to abnormal scores.
Data Analytics Critique
Hooda argued that the correct procedure would be to apply data analytics to a smaller, targeted group rather than the entire 23 lakh candidates.
CBI Investigation Impact
The Supreme Court reiterated that disclosing information from the CBI could hinder the investigation.
NTA’s Defense
NTA counsel stated that marks were given for questions with one extra answer, as per the NCERT booklet.
Exam Statistics
Over 23.33 lakh students took the NEET UG 2024 test on May 5 at 4,750 centers in 571 cities, including 14 overseas. The exam, conducted by the NTA, is for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses.

Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision on the NEET UG 2024 retest will have significant social ramifications, affecting millions of students. The ongoing hearings aim to ensure the integrity and fairness of the examination process.

NEET-UG Paper Leak Probe: CBI Arrests 2 More in Paper Leak Case Amid Supreme Court Notices

July 16, 2024, 4:52 pm

In the ongoing investigation of the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recently made 2 more arrests from Bihar and Jharkhand. Previously, on June 27, the CBI had detained two individuals from Bihar in connection with the case.

The new arrests include individuals identified as Manish Prakash and Ashutosh Kumar, apprehended from Patna. Ashutosh is alleged to have provided the premises where leaked NEET question papers were accessed by aspirants, while Manish is accused of facilitating the distribution of the leaked papers.

The Supreme Court, meanwhile, has issued notices to private parties regarding pleas filed by the National Testing Agency (NTA). These pleas seek the consolidation of cases related to the NEET-UG controversy from various high courts into the apex court to streamline legal proceedings.

The NEET-UG exam, conducted on May 5, saw allegations of paper leaks soon after the release of results on June 4, prompting widespread concerns about the integrity of the examination.

Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud emphasized the importance of assessing the scale of the leak to determine whether a re-test is necessary, underscoring that such a measure would be considered only as a last resort.

NEET-UG 2024: SC Issues Notice On NTA Petitions, Considers Transfer Of Cases

July 15, 2024, 3:52 pm

The Supreme Court addressed significant concerns regarding the NEET-UG 2024 examination by issuing notices on petitions submitted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). These petitions specifically requested the transfer of ongoing cases from the Rajasthan High Court to the highest judicial body in the country.

The petitions before the Supreme Court seek to challenge the NEET-UG 2024 results and advocate for a fresh examination. Allegations of paper leakage and malpractices during the test have prompted aspirants to approach the court, highlighting issues such as the purported leak of question papers, the awarding of compensatory marks, and irregularities in exam questions.

The Supreme Court is now actively considering these petitions, aiming to address the pressing concerns raised by the NEET-UG aspirants across the country. This development marks a pivotal moment as the judiciary prepares to deliberate on the future course of action regarding one of India’s most critical entrance examinations.

As the legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders await further updates from the Supreme Court regarding the fate of NEET-UG 2024 and the implications for thousands of aspirants nationwide.

NEET-UG 2024 Paper Leak Hearing Today: Centre’s Affidavit Submitted; Will Supreme Court Order a Re-Test?

July 11, 2024, 9:14 am

The Supreme Court will hear a series of petitions on Thursday, July 11, concerning the alleged paper leaks and irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024. This comes a day after the Union government submitted a new affidavit, strongly opposing the call for a re-test. The affidavit included a detailed report from IIT-Madras, which refutes claims of widespread malpractices or unfair advantages at certain exam centers.

More than 40 petitions are scheduled for the Supreme Court’s consideration.

During the previous hearing on the NEET-UG 2024 case, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud heard several pleas and set the next hearing for July 11.

The NEET-UG, administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), serves as the entrance exam for MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and related courses in both government and private institutions across the country. The NEET-UG 2024 exam, conducted on May 5, was embroiled in controversies over paper leaks and the provision of grace marks to some students.

In its July 8 hearing, the Supreme Court directed the NTA to disclose details about the timing and circumstances of the question paper leak. The court also instructed the central government to submit affidavits outlining their actions and requested a status report from the CBI regarding the NEET-UG examination. The court acknowledged that the integrity of the exam had been compromised.

“The fact that the sanctity of the exam has been compromised is beyond doubt. It is an admitted fact that there is a leak, and the nature of the leak is something that we are determining. If it is not extensive, then there is no cancellation. But before we order a retest, we must be conscious of the extent of the leak as we are dealing with 23 lakh students,” the three-judge bench stated.

The Centre’s affidavit, submitted on Wednesday, asserted there was no evidence of “mass malpractice” or localized benefit leading to abnormal scores in NEET-UG 2024. The affidavit referenced IIT-Madras’s data analytics, which indicated that the marks distribution followed a typical “bell-shaped curve,” suggesting no irregularities.

The Union government’s affidavit also detailed the steps taken to maintain the exam’s integrity and address any malpractices.

The NTA, in its affidavit, stated that only 47 candidates were suspected of involvement in paper leaks and irregularities with OMR sheets. The NTA is considering switching the exam format from OMR (pen and paper) to online tests. It also plans to rely on the IIT-Madras report during Thursday’s proceedings.

In related developments, the CBI arrested two more individuals from Patna on Tuesday in connection with the paper leak case. Sunny Kumar, a NEET-UG candidate, was arrested from Nalanda, and Ranjit Kumar, another candidate’s father, was arrested from Gaya. To date, the investigation has led to the arrest of eight individuals from Bihar and Jharkhand.

NEET-UG 2024: Paper Leak Confirmed By Supreme Court, Re-Test Decision Pending

July 8, 2024, 5:17 pm

On Monday, the Supreme Court acknowledged that the question paper for the NEET-UG 2024 had been leaked, putting the “sanctity of the exam” into question. Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud stated, “One thing is clear. The question paper has indeed been leaked.” He further noted, “The fact that the sanctity of the exams is compromised is beyond doubt. What is the extent of the leak? What is the nature of the leak? That we have to find out. We have to be careful while ordering a re-test as we are dealing with the career of 23 lakh students.”

Students Demand Fairness

The Supreme Court was hearing 35 petitions from students demanding the cancellation of the NEET-UG exams. They cited alleged paper leaks, widespread malpractice, and irregularities. The students questioned the legitimacy of the exam, pointing out that 61 students achieved a perfect score of 720/720, which they argued indicated that the exam had been compromised. They called for a re-test to ensure fairness for all candidates.

Government’s Response

In its affidavit, the Central government opposed the cancellation of the exams, highlighting the potential negative impact on millions of students’ careers. The government admitted that there were isolated incidents of malpractice but emphasized that these were minor compared to the total number of candidates, which is 23 lakh. They claimed there was no significant proof of extensive malpractice to warrant canceling the exams. The government also pointed out that canceling the exams would disrupt the academic calendar and negatively affect students who passed the exam fairly. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is already investigating the irregularities and has made arrests. Additionally, a high-level panel has been set up to develop a foolproof system to prevent future issues.

NTA’s Stand

The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting the NEET-UG 2024, submitted an affidavit stating that the malpractice incidents were confined to specific centers in Patna and Godhra. They described these incidents as “minuscule,” “sporadic,” and “scattered.” The NTA contended that annulling the entire exam would be unjust to the students who passed it legitimately without any wrongdoing. They stated that the results of students involved in cheating have been withheld, and show-cause notices have been issued for disciplinary action and potential disqualification. The NTA guaranteed that question papers are printed exclusively at authorized and secure facilities to ensure the exam’s integrity.

Petitioners Arguments

The petitioner’s lawyer called for a re-test, citing extensive fraud, compromised integrity, and widespread malpractice. They provided evidence to the court and referenced ongoing investigations by the Bihar police and the CBI. The lawyer pointed out a Bihar Police press note stating that the NTA failed to follow standard operating procedures, resulting in significant irregularities.

Supreme Court Hears NEET UG 2024 Irregularities Today

July 8, 2024, 12:30 pm

The Supreme Court will hear a series of pleas today concerning the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2024. The hearing will focus on alleged irregularities and calls for a re-test due to accusations of paper leaks.

Key Details of the Hearing

Date: July 8, 2024
Bench: Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, Justices J B Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra
Number of Petitions: 38 concerning NEET UG 2024

Background

The NEET UG 2024 exam was held on May 5, 2024, across hundreds of centers in India. Results were declared on June 4, 2024, ten days earlier than scheduled. This year’s exam saw 67 toppers, which led to protests and demands for a re-test due to alleged irregularities in the marking system and paper leaks.

Response from Authorities

The Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting the exam, argued that canceling the exam would harm honest candidates without proof of large-scale breaches. They also canceled grace marks for 1,563 candidates and offered them a re-test option.

Stay tuned for live updates on the Supreme Court’s decision regarding NEET UG 2024.

NEET-UG 2024: Counseling Delayed Due to Paper Leak Row; Awaited New Date

July 6, 2024, 12:46 pm

The counseling process for NEET-UG 2024 has been postponed due to allegations of a paper leak. Currently, authorities have not announced a new date for resuming the counseling sessions. Students awaiting the counseling process will need to await further updates from the organizing body regarding the scheduling of these sessions. The delay has caused uncertainty among applicants who are eager to proceed with their admissions into medical colleges based on their NEET-UG scores.

NEET UG counselling deferred until further notice: Official sources pic.twitter.com/VVMvpGwDDH

— ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2024

Cancelled dreams: NET & NEET storm and the new law

June 25, 2024, 4:32 am

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is an independent organization created by the Government of India to administer admission and eligibility examinations for higher education institutions. The main goal is to provide equitable, transparent, and uniform testing procedures nationwide. Since its establishment, the NTA has been tasked with overseeing a range of important examinations, such as the NET and NEET (UG), CUET, GPAT, CMAT that have significant impacts on academic and professional sphere in India.

Establishment of this agency was aimed to ensure the integrity and dependability of these tests by establishing strong security measures, employing cutting-edge technology, and adhering to stringent standards. Nevertheless, recent disputes, such as the purported leakage of the NEET paper and the abrupt termination of the NET exam, have prompted doubts regarding its effectiveness and highlighted the necessity for ongoing enhancements and increased responsibility to fulfil the expectations of candidates and stakeholders.

The National Eligibility Test (NET) in India is a vital test for those seeking to pursue careers in academia and research. It is administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The NET test acts as a means for applicants to qualify for the position of Assistant Professor and get Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) at Indian institutions and colleges. The exam is conducted biannually and evaluates applicants’ expertise in many fields and their ability to do research.

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)- UG is the primary entrance test for candidates who wish to enter undergraduate medical and dentistry degrees (MBBS/BDS) in India. Administered on a yearly basis by the NTA, NEET guarantees a standardized and competence-driven procedure for accepting students into medical institutions throughout the nation.

The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET-UG (medical entrance examination) was administered by the NTA on May 5 and the results were announced on June 4. The exam, which is currently making headlines due to allegations of question paper leakage and irregularities, attracted approximately 24 lakh students. Unprecedented in the history of NTA, a total of 67 candidates achieved All-India Rank 1. Reports of paper breaches and the distribution of grace marks have raised concerns about the integrity of the exam since that time.

The NTA also conducted University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) exam on June 18 but it was cancelled by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, on June 19, one day after it was administered, in order to guarantee the utmost transparency and integrity of the examination process. The report which came the very next day from a preliminary investigation said that the question paper was leaked 48 hours prior to the exam. The paper was sold for Rs 6 lakh on the dark web and encrypted social media platforms, according to the report.

The National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre under the Ministry of Home Affairs provided the University Grants Commission (UGC) with specific inputs regarding the examination on June 19, 2024. Prima facie, these inputs suggest that the integrity of the aforementioned examination may have been compromised. The protest that happened after the notice by NTA to cancel the exam was out, was attended by a significant number of students, including members of political organizations such as the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), All India Students Association (AISA), Democratic Students’ Front (DSF), Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS), and Congress-affiliated NSUI. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which is affiliated with the RSS, also organized protests on the north campus of Delhi University and the Jawaharlal Nehru University.

VOICES OF DISTRESS

Thousands of applicants are in shock at the unexpected cancellation of the NET test, which has left candidates who spent months, preparing rigorously feeling severely emotionally and psychologically damaged. The sudden cancelation of the exam, together with the build-up to it, have left me feeling quite frustrated and let down. Furthermore, a large number of applicants had to bear a heavy financial load by paying for lodging, transportation, and other associated fees just to have their efforts in vain. Outside of the financial ramifications, the time and energy spent getting ready for the test are priceless. Many times, juggling other obligations, candidates carefully plan only to have their dreams dashed. The widespread anguish highlights how deeply these administrative mistakes affect the lives of conscientious professionals and students. Students now expect a similar response for the NEET test due to the precedent the cancellation of the NET exam has set. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accepted full responsibility for it. He also announced the creation of a high-level committee to improve the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) operations, examination procedures, transparency, and data security measures.

The law

In February, President Droupadi Murmu signed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill into law. The bill was adopted by the Centre with the goal of preventing leaks, malpractices, and organized cheating in recruitment exams such as UPSC and SSC, as well as admission tests such as NEET, JEE, CUET, and NET.

PUNISHMENTS UNDER THE LAW

The Punishments under Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 proposes that unfair means be punishable by imprisonment for three to five years with a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.

In case a person, group or persons commits an organised crime of this nature which includes the examination authority, service providers or any other institutions, they will be punished with imprisonment of five to 10 years with a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.

The law empowers agencies to attach and forfeit the properties of institutions involved in committing organised crime for the proportionate recovery of the cost of examination.

The law also states that an officer of the rank of deputy superintendent of police or assistant commissioner of police will be responsible for investigating any complaints under the Act.

Despite the fact that the recently enforced Act cannot be applied retrospectively to the accused of NET & NEET-UG paper leak, this law is a hope to establish a more effective approach to address similar instances in future. It emphasizes how important it is to preserve test fairness and integrity. It is crucial to provide top priority to secure and transparent testing procedures in order to guarantee an impartial evaluation process for every applicant.

CBI Forms Special Teams To Investigate Alleged NEET-UG 2024 Irregularities

June 23, 2024, 5:41 pm

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the investigation into the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 exams and has formed special teams to probe the case, according to a statement from the central agency on Sunday. The CBI is dispatching these teams to Patna, Bihar, and Godhra, Gujarat, where local police have registered cases.

“CBI has registered a criminal case and initiated an investigation. Special teams have been formed by the CBI to investigate the matter on top priority. Special CBI teams are being sent to Patna and Godhra where local police cases have been registered,” the CBI stated.

This follows the central government’s decision to assign the CBI to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG exam 2024.

“The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the NEET (UG) Examination on May 5, 2024, in OMR (Pen and Paper) mode. Certain cases of alleged irregularities/cheating/impersonation/malpractices have been reported. For transparency on the conduct of the examination process, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, after a review has decided to entrust the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for comprehensive investigation. The central government has also enacted the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to prevent unfair means in public examinations and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto,” the government said.

“The government is committed to ensuring the sanctity of examinations and protecting the interest of students. It is reiterated that any individual/organization found to be involved will face the strictest action,” the statement added.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting the NEET-UG exams, has faced criticism due to the alleged irregularities, leading to widespread protests and calls from political parties to disband the NTA. Concerns were heightened after an unprecedented 67 candidates achieved a perfect score of 720 out of 720.

NEET UG 2024 Controversy: New Admit Cards Released For 1563 Candidates To Take Re-Exam

June 20, 2024, 1:00 pm

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has recently issued admit cards for candidates scheduled to undertake the retest of NEET UG 2024. This retest exclusively applies to individuals who were granted grace marks by the NTA due to time loss during the exam. Admittance to the June 23 examination can be obtained through the official NTA website – neet.ntaonline.in.

In accordance with the NTA’s directive, candidates benefiting from grace marks in NEET UG must either participate in the re-examination or acknowledge their original marks, excluding the grace score. Notifications regarding this were dispatched to candidates via their registered email addresses by the NTA.

This year, a total of 1563 candidates were awarded grace marks to offset the time lost during the NEET exam held on May 5. The NEET UG 2024 results were announced on June 4, grabbing headlines with the declaration of 67 students achieving AIR 1. Additionally, this year saw participation from 17 transgender candidates in NEET UG. The exam saw 13,31,321 female candidates and 9,96,393 male candidates in total.

NEET-UG 2024 Row: SC Notices 14 Petitions Against Exam Malpractices

June 20, 2024, 12:48 pm

The Supreme Court of India today issued notices for 14 petitions challenging alleged malpractices and irregularities in the conduct of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) examination for the year 2024.

Additionally, it issued notice to the Centre and NTA regarding a petition from students who took the NEET-UG exam in Meghalaya, claiming they lost 45 minutes and seeking inclusion among the 1,563 students granted grace marks and offered the chance to reappear on June 23.

Supreme Court issues notice on petition filed by National Testing Agency (NTA) seeking transfer of pleas relating to NEET-UG, 2024 from High Court to the apex court. Supreme Court stays the proceedings before the High Court in the cases. SC again reiterates that it will not stop… pic.twitter.com/569scAukfO

— ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2024

The petitions consist of four transfer petitions submitted by the NTA, leading to the court halting proceedings in the respective high courts. The court instructed the Centre and NTA to submit their responses and scheduled all petitions for a hearing on July 8.

Additionally, the SC has issued notices to involved parties in response to petitions by the NTA. These petitions seek to transfer cases related to the NEET-UG dispute from the High Courts to the Supreme Court.

NEET-UG 2024: SC Halts All High Court Proceedings

June 20, 2024, 12:11 pm

The Supreme Court issued a notice regarding a petition filed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to transfer all pleas related to NEET-UG 2024 from various high courts to the apex court. Furthermore, the SC has put a hold on all proceedings in different high courts concerning the alleged leak of the NEET-UG exam question paper.

Additionally, the apex court sent new notices to the Centre and the NTA, requesting their responses to the latest petitions filed by students against NEET-UG. The court also stated that all petitions filed so far will be addressed together on July 8.

It declined to issue any temporary ruling on the matter.

The announcement of the NEET-UG 2024 results on June 4 triggered a considerable backlash from students and their parents. The results faced legal challenges, which highlighted three main concerns.

. First, there were claims that some students received grace marks.

. Second, accusations emerged that the question paper had been leaked before the exam.

. Third, suspicions arose about possible malpractices at specific exam centers.

Supreme Court has once again rejected the request to stop the counseling process for admissions linked to the NEET-UG exam results. The court stated that if the students filing the petition were successful in their legal disputes, it would result in canceling the 2024 exam and the following counseling procedure.

This progress occurred after the session on Tuesday, where a request to annul NEET UG 2024 was discussed. During the discussion, the court noted that the integrity of the exam had been compromised and asked for a response from the National Testing Agency (NTA) on this issue.

Allahabad HC Dismisses NEET Aspirant’s Petition, Forged Documents Submitted

June 20, 2024, 11:08 am

On Tuesday, the Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition by a NEET-UG aspirant who alleged that the National Testing Agency (NTA) failed to declare her result and that her OMR answer sheet was torn. The court determined that the petitioner, Ayushi Patel from Lucknow, had submitted forged documents.

“NTA can take legal action in the matter,” stated Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan in his order. The NTA informed the court that it had already decided to pursue legal action against Patel.

The court’s decision came after the NTA, following the court’s directive, presented the student’s original OMR answer sheet, which was found to be intact.

BJP Criticizes Priyanka for Backing Aspirant’s Claim Ayushi’s dramatic allegation intensified calls for the cancellation of the NEET-UG exam and was supported by Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, who used the claim to criticize the Modi government. With the High Court ruling Ayushi’s claim to be false, the BJP criticized Priyanka and demanded an apology. “You remember this tweet by Priyanka Vadra, here is how Congress peddles fakery,” said party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, labeling Congress as “jhooth ki dukaan.”

In her petition filed earlier this month, Ayushi claimed that the NTA had communicated that her result would not be declared because her OMR sheet was torn. She demanded manual evaluation of her OMR sheet, a halt to admissions counseling while her petition was pending, and an inquiry into the NTA. Ayushi also claimed she should have scored 715 marks out of 720, while her actual score was 335.

Presenting the OMR sheet, scorecard, and attendance sheet, the NTA stated that the petitioner’s application number was 240411340741, which was signed by Ayushi herself. However, she had been sending emails using the application number 240411840741, altering one digit.

After examining the documents, the court concluded that Ayushi’s petition was based on forged documents. It called the situation “regrettable” and stated that the NTA was free to pursue legal action.

Before approaching the High Court, Ayushi had released a video with her claims, which gained political attention after Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi shared it and criticized the NTA. However, on June 12, the NTA clarified that Ayushi’s paper was intact and accused her of forgery, noting her actual score was lower than claimed.

“No torn OMR answer sheet was sent from any official NTA email, and the actual OMR is available and not torn. Moreover, all results are available online,” an official stated.

NEET Exam Scam: Congress Alleges ‘Organized Corruption’, Congress Calls For Nationwide Protests On June 21

June 19, 2024, 4:35 pm

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal has called for nationwide protests on June 21 against alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 results. Venugopal, recently elected as MP from Kerala’s Alappuzha, criticized what he termed as organized corruption in BJP-ruled states, citing recent arrests in Bihar, Gujarat, and Haryana related to the exam.

In a letter, Venugopal highlighted technical glitches, malpractice, and unfair means reported from certain NEET-UG test centers. He expressed concerns over the integrity of the exam process, pointing to issues like the awarding of grace marks to over 1,500 students, an unusually high number of perfect scores, and allegations of a leaked question paper.

NEET-UG, the primary entrance exam for undergraduate medical courses across India, witnessed participation from over 24 lakh students this year across numerous test centers. The results, declared on June 4, sparked immediate controversy and dissatisfaction among aspirants.

As the debate over the exam’s fairness intensifies, stakeholders continue to scrutinize the situation, calling for transparency and accountability in the conduct of such critical national exams.

‘If There Is 0.001% Negligence, It Should Be Dealt With’: Supreme Court Tells Cenre, NTA

June 18, 2024, 12:09 pm

The Supreme Court on Tuesday advised the Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA) not to approach petitions regarding NEET-UG 2024 in a confrontational manner, stating that any mistakes should be acknowledged and corrected.

The court was addressing petitions about alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 exams. The justices emphasized that even minimal negligence requires prompt and decisive action.

The Supreme Court remarked, “If there is 0.001% negligence on the part of anyone it should be thoroughly dealt with.” The court has instructed the Centre and NTA to submit their responses to the allegations of paper leaks by July 8.

NEET UG 2024: Bihar EOU Serves Notices To 11 Candidates In Paper Leak Case

June 15, 2024, 5:07 pm

Amid an ongoing investigation into alleged paper leaks in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) (UG) 2024, the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police has issued notices to 11 candidates suspected of involvement. These notices were served after their names and roll codes were discovered in the possession of exam mafias. Among these 11 candidates, seven are girls from various districts in Bihar.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), which had previously dismissed any irregularities in NEET 2024, has shared the details of these 11 candidates with Bihar EOU. Earlier, the EOU arrested 13 individuals, including six exam mafias, four candidates, and three parents, all of whom were sent to jail. Acting on information provided by these accused individuals, the EOU recovered partially burnt question papers from Learn Play School, located within the jurisdiction of the Ramakrishna Nagar police station in Patna.

These burnt papers, retrieved from booklet number 6136488, matched the content of the NEET UG 2024 exam paper. Despite multiple requests to the NTA for the original copy of booklet number 6136488 over the past month, including three reminders, the original copy has not been provided.

According to statements from the arrested candidates, they received the question paper on May 4, a day before the examination, and it was identical to the one used in the exam. The NEET results, originally scheduled for release on June 14, were announced on June 4, revealing 67 candidates with perfect scores and thousands achieving over 700 marks.

Out of the 24 lakh candidates who took the exam, more than 13 lakh passed. Interestingly, 1,563 students were granted grace marks, despite no prior notification of such a provision. However, the NTA informed the Supreme Court that the grace marks of 1,563 students would be cancelled, giving them the option to retake the exam on June 23 or forego the compensatory marks.

NEET UG 2024 Controversy: Candidates Paid Rs 30 Lakh For Leaked Papers, Major Arrests Made

June 15, 2024, 4:25 pm

As the controversy surrounding the NEET exam persists, shocking revelations to the Bihar Economic Offences Unit (EOU) have exposed significant flaws in this year’s medical entrance examination. Suspects have confessed that candidates paid exorbitant amounts, over Rs 30 lakh, for leaked exam papers.

On Saturday, the EOU issued notices to nine candidates, summoning them to their Patna office with evidence for questioning regarding their links to the ‘solver gang’. All the candidates, hailing from various districts in Bihar, are expected to appear on Monday and Tuesday. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has yet to comment on these recent developments.

“Every aspect is being looked into. Accountability will be fixed and depending on the nature of the lapse, action will be taken. There is no scope for any malpractice or irregularities in the conduct of any exam. We will not tolerate that. The accountability of NTA will also be fixed if lapses are found,” Pradhan stated.

In its investigation into the ‘solver gang’, the EOU identified the roll numbers of 13 candidates, with four already arrested. The EOU then requested information on the remaining nine candidates from the NTA, along with a reference question paper.

EOU Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Manavjit Singh Dhillon reported that the NTA had provided the candidates’ admit cards, enabling the agency to obtain their contact details and issue notices. The students will also be questioned about whether they were required to memorize questions by the solver gang before the exam.

SENSATIONAL CONFESSIONS

The EOU has arrested 14 individuals following the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged malpractices. India Today has obtained exclusive access to the confessions of the arrested individuals, revealing the exchange of money for question papers. The statements indicated that medical aspirants paid over Rs 30 lakh each to ‘brokers’ for the leaked papers.

During his interrogation, a 56-year-old junior engineer with the Bihar government, Sikandar Kumar Yadavendu, admitted his involvement. In his confessional statement to the district police, Sikandar acknowledged meeting Nitish and Amit Anand, who operated an educational consultancy firm, at his government office in Patna. They agreed to collaborate in the scheme.

Sikandar confessed that he was in contact with the families of several NEET aspirants, negotiating financial terms. He claimed that Amit and Nitish obtained the question paper on May 4 and gathered the candidates in a safe house in the Ramkrishna Nagar area of Patna. He was later arrested along with Akhilesh and Bittu during a routine police check, which revealed several NEET admit cards.

Both Amit and Nitish admitted their involvement in the question paper leak in their respective confessional statements to the police. They confessed to charging between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 32 lakh per candidate.

HOW THE NEXUS OPERATED

Preliminary investigations suggest that one of the arrested individuals, Nitish Kumar, who was previously jailed in the Bihar Public Service Commission Teacher Recruitment Examination (BPSC TRE) case, may be a key figure. The EOU suspects that the same group, led by Sanjeev Singh in Bihar’s Nalanda, was involved again.

The group approached students through dubious educational consultancies and coaching centers. One of the arrested, Amit Anand, ran an unregistered educational consultancy in Patna.

The modus operandi involved breaching the chain of custody from a printing firm to the examination center by compromising the staff. After obtaining the questions, the nexus assembled students in safe houses to memorize the answers. They then escorted the candidates to exam centers to prevent information leakage.

According to highly-placed EOU sources, the SIT had been monitoring the case from the start but only decided to form the team after making 13 critical arrests, including a junior engineer with the state government and an individual accused in the BPSC TRE 3.0 question paper leak case.

SC Seeks Centre, NTA Response on CBI Probe Plea in NEET UG 2024 Irregularities

June 14, 2024, 1:09 pm

The Supreme Court held a hearing on petitions concerning alleged paper leaks and irregularities in the NEET exam on Friday, June 14. During the session, the court issued notices to the National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting NEET, requesting a detailed response regarding demands for a CBI investigation. Additionally, notices were sent to students with pending petitions in various High Courts, seeking their input.

The Supreme Court stressed the importance of receiving a comprehensive response from the NTA before proceeding further. The next hearing is scheduled for July 8. The petitioners’ lawyer underscored the issue’s gravity, highlighting its impact on the futures of 24 lakh students. While acknowledging the seriousness, the court emphasized adherence to legal procedures and the need to review the NTA’s response before any decisions are made. The court also cautioned against emotional appeals, focusing instead on legal processes.

The purported NEET paper leak triggered protests in several major cities nationwide. Demonstrations took place at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and outside Kolkata’s Vikas Bhawan. Protesters in Delhi voiced slogans like “24 lakh students demand exams, not scams,” expressing frustration and seeking justice. Students emphasized their dedication in preparing for the exam, asserting their right to fair outcomes. NEET results were announced on June 4.

The central government refuted claims of a NEET UG exam paper leak. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that no concrete evidence of misconduct, corruption, or paper leaks has surfaced in NEET. All pertinent details are presently under the Supreme Court’s scrutiny. Minister Pradhan criticized the politicization of the issue, citing its adverse impact on students’ mental well-being and emphasizing that NEET counseling is imminent.

He further noted that politicizing the alleged paper leak at this juncture is untimely and detrimental to students’ futures. The government remains steadfast in ensuring students’ bright prospects and upholding the examination’s integrity.