Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has addressed the raging controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2024 results, assuring that any irregularities found will be met with strict action. Speaking in Odisha, Pradhan stated that the government has taken the matter seriously, following the Supreme Court’s recommendation for re-tests for 1,563 candidates. He emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring fairness and transparency in the examination process and that even high-ranking officials within the National Testing Agency (NTA) will not be spared if found guilty. The minister also acknowledged the need for significant improvements within the NTA.
The decision to conduct re-tests stems from allegations of paper leaks and the allocation of grace marks to students, leading to protests across the country. The Supreme Court’s intervention resulted in the NTA withdrawing the grace marks awarded to the 1,563 students. The re-test, scheduled for June 23, will determine the final results, which will be declared on June 30. Students who choose not to take the re-test will have their results declared without the grace marks.
The controversy has also sparked calls for a comprehensive investigation. Former HRD minister Kapil Sibal urged for a probe by Supreme Court-appointed officials, highlighting the need for a robust and transparent examination system. The NEET-UG 2024 controversy underscores the critical need for accountability and integrity in the education sector, particularly in high-stakes examinations that shape the futures of countless students.
