Didn't cancel NEET-UG 24 examination as there was no systematic breach: SC
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday upheld the validity of the NEET-UG 2024 examination despite concerns over paper leaks, asserting there was no systemic breach of its integrity. However, it raised serious concerns about the National Testing Agency's (NTA) handling of the exam.
In a detailed 63-page judgment, the court criticised the NTA for its inconsistent decision-making, highlighting the need for well-considered decisions to maintain fairness. The court stated, "Flip-flops are an anathema to fairness."
The judgment noted, "While various issues do not indicate a systemic breach of the NEET's integrity, the manner in which NTA organised the exam raises serious concerns." The court emphasised that NTA has ample resources and should ensure a secure and flawless exam process.
The court also expressed concerns about NTA's reliance on individuals over whom it lacks direct oversight for invigilation. It called for enhanced security protocols to prevent malpractice and unauthorised access to question papers.
Specific incidents, including paper leaks in Patna and Hazaribagh and security lapses in exam centres, prompted the court's observations. The court highlighted instances where question papers were transported via e-rickshaws and private couriers, and OMR sheets were not promptly sealed, risking tampering.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, stated, "We did not cancel the NEET-UG examination because there was no systemic breach of sanctity beyond Hazaribagh and Patna."
The Supreme Court issued several directives and expanded the remit of the Centre-appointed panel led by former Isro chief K. Radhakrishnan to review the NTA's functioning and recommend exam reforms. The panel's report is due by September 30, with the Union education ministry expected to formulate and implement a plan within a month, updating the court two weeks thereafter.
The court suggested the Radhakrishnan panel develop standard operating procedures to adopt technological advancements for securing the exam process. It also called for evaluating and tightening security measures to prevent malpractice.
The court questioned NTA's decisions to allow candidates to change exam centres and to award and later retract grace marks for students who received incorrect question papers, stressing the need for a system that inspires public confidence.
The Supreme Court's decision came amidst criticism and protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG exam. Over 23 lakh students took the exam in 2024.
The court concluded that the data did not indicate a systemic leak of the question paper. Canceling the entire exam would disrupt admission schedules and medical education, adversely affecting marginalised groups.
The bench rejected the petitioners' claim that the leak was systemic, stating the wrongdoing was not widespread enough to warrant a re-test. The court acknowledged that the paper leak occurred in Hazaribagh and Patna, affecting 155 students.
Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan responded to the judgment, stating on social media that the court's findings "outrightly reject the propaganda" against the national medical entrance exam.
