The National Testing Agency has opposed the dismissal of the NEET-UG exam in its submission to the Supreme Court, arguing that the alleged misconduct was confined to the centers in Patna and Godhra. They contend that it is unjust to scrap the entire exam based on isolated examples. NTA clarifies that to state that high achievers hail solely from particular centers is erroneous. In their affidavit, NTA revealed they have withheld the results of students involved in the misconduct, issuing them show-cause notices for punitive action and expulsion.
NTA maintains that these individual cases of impropriety and alleged leaks have not tainted the entire testing process. It is suggested that if the entire exam were to be annulled without substantial evidence, it would adversely affect the educational trajectory of millions of students, dealing a severe blow to significant public interest.
NTA reassures that examination centers are selected after a thorough evaluation of their suitability, which includes logistical and structural facilities. Factors like security measures, the institution's experience in conducting competitive exams, the availability of experienced and competent staff to manage the exams, accessibility provisions (such as ramps) for PWD candidates, and security protocols are taken into consideration. The NTA also states that the question paper assembling process is conducted by qualified subject experts in a secure area within NTA's premises. It is appropriate to mention that these experts are unaware of whether their drafted questions will be included in the specific question papers.
NEET Paper Leak Case Reaches the Supreme Court
The NEET paper leak controversy, along with petitions demanding the exam's cancellation and other irregularities, will be reviewed by the Supreme Chief Justice bench which includes Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra, on July 8. The eyes of the nation's NEET aspirants, parents, and coaching institutions are fixed on this hearing. The Supreme Court's joint hearing of all these petitions will determine the course forward.
Hearing on 26 Petitions
The agenda lists 26 petitions on the NEET case, some of which are supplementary. According to the regular cause list, out of 26 petitions, 21 challenge the actions of the NTA and the Government of India, while the remaining 5 are transfer petitions. However, the supplemental list due on July 7 may see additional petitions. The first petition on the list belongs to Vanshika Yadav, which includes demands for re-examination citing the alleged irregularities.
Debate on Paper Leak, Exam Cancellation, and Counseling
Normal work resumes at the Supreme Court on July 8 after nearly two months of summer recess. During this period, a number of students and coaching institutions have filed petitions against the NEET UG results for 2024. Some petitioners allege paper leaks, some demand the annulment and re-conduct of the entire exam, and others call for an investigation into the conduct of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Additionally, the court will have expansive hearings on the NEET UG matter and although the Supreme Court has declined to halt NEET UG counseling, debates on the counseling may also ensue on July 8.
