New Delhi: The Supreme Court is set to deliberate on multiple petitions demanding a re-conduct of the NEET-UG 2024 examination, scheduled for Monday. This pivotal hearing comes amidst widespread concerns over alleged paper leaks and irregularities, casting uncertainty over the future of over 2.3 million candidates who appeared for the prestigious medical entrance test.Allegations of paper leaksThe NEET-UG 2024 exam, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 5, is integral for admissions to MBBS, BDS, and various undergraduate medical courses across India. The examination, held at 4,750 centers in 571 cities, including 14 abroad, has been marred by controversy since its conclusion. Allegations of question paper leaks and anomalies in marking have sparked nationwide protests and political debate. 67 candidates achieved perfect scores This years examination was conducted at 4,750 centres in 571 cities, including 14 abroad. The results, declared on June 4, sparked controversy when 67 candidates achieved perfect scores of 720, with some of them belonging to the same examination centre. The Union government has already replaced the head of NTA after the controversy erupted. Re-exam citing disruption The outcome of Mondays hearing before a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, alongside Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, holds significant implications for the candidates and the integrity of the examination process. The bench will scrutinize the responses from the Union government and NTA, both opposing a re-exam citing disruption to the academic calendar and minimal evidence of widespread malpractice.Government and NTAs defenseIn a recent affidavit, the Union government argued against a re-conduct, emphasizing the lack of substantial proof of large-scale breaches. NTA echoed this sentiment, highlighting that while incidents of malpractice were isolated, stringent actions were taken against those responsible. The government has also reshuffled NTA leadership in response to the controversy.Supreme Courts roleAcknowledging the gravity of the allegations, the Supreme Court has previously stressed the need for maintaining exam integrity. A previous hearing underscored the importance of addressing even minute lapses in the examination process, reflecting the courts commitment to fairness and transparency.Future implicationsThe courts decision will not only decide the fate of NEET-UG 2024 but will also establish a precedent for handling future allegations of examination malpractices in high-stakes national examinations. The Ministry of Education has initiated a high-level committee to propose reforms ensuring transparent conduct of exams. However, the upcoming Supreme Court session is poised to resolve the contentious issues surrounding NEET-UG 2024, offering clarity and direction amid widespread concerns and anxieties among aspirants and stakeholders alike.
