'Avoid flip flops...': SC raps NTA over NEET-UG row
The Supreme Court has instructed the National Testing Agency, which oversees the NEET-UG exam, to "rectify deficiencies in the exam system" by leveraging technology to enhance its cybersecurity and prevent paper leaks. The court—in its detailed judgment announced Friday—emphasized avoiding "flip-flops" after issues arose after the exam results. Highlighting these "flip-flops" as detrimental to students, the court said, "We have highlighted all deficiencies in the structural processes of the NTA...this we cannot afford for the betterment of the students."
Why does this story matter?
Over 23 lakh students who appeared for the NEET-UG 2024 are awaiting the court's decision. The exam, held on May 5, became a subject of controversy due to alleged large-scale malpractices. The NTA and the National Democratic Alliance government faced significant backlash, with protests erupting both on streets and in Parliament. To recall, the bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and including Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, issued an interim verdict last month on the matter.
Seven-member panel to analyze exam process
The bench has granted the central government's committee, a seven-member panel led by ex-ISRO chief Dr K Radhakrishnan and including former AIIMS Delhi Director Dr Randeep Guleria, until September 30 to present its report. This committee is tasked with analyzing the entire examination process and suggesting improvements for efficiency. "Report of committee to be submitted by September 30 to the government. Ministry of Education shall report compliance of committee and decision to implement (measures) in two weeks."
Court's 8 guidelines for NEET reforms
The court provided eight guidelines for the committee, such as establishing a standard operating procedure for conducting qualifying exams, reviewing the process of allotting exam centers, enhancing identity checks of candidates, and implementing CCTV monitoring of exam centers. One crucial point was to ensure "secure logistics providers for ensuring non-tampering of question papers." This measure is essential since the 2024 NEET-UG exam papers might have been leaked during transportation in locked boxes from the printing location to the exam centers.
Court addresses leaked exam papers incident
Regarding the leaked exam papers, the court said it was satisfied that "there was no systemic breach...the leak was limited to Patna (in Bihar) and Hazaribagh (in Jharkhand)." The Hazaribagh leak has been identified as 'Ground Zero' by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is investigating a nationwide "solver gang" racket responsible for leaking question papers. The agency has made several arrests, including Rakesh Ranjan, also known as Rocky, who is believed to be the kingpin.
Need counselling programs for students' 'mental welfare'
The central agency has filed its first chargesheet in the case, naming 13 individuals, including four candidates, a junior engineer, and two identified as "kingpins." Officials noted that parents of some students were also named and that at least one supplementary chargesheet will follow as investigations continue. The Chief Justice also talked about the necessity of counselling programs for students' "mental welfare" and training for staff and management to address these concerns.
SC's interim order
Last week, the court dismissed calls for a full re-test. In response to petitions for a re-examination, the court had said it wasn't convinced of a large-scale breach of the exam's "sanctity." While acknowledging the paper leak, the court found no evidence to suggest "the result of the exam was vitiated." It also highlighted that ordering a fresh exam would have serious consequences for students, disrupting the admission schedule, education, and future availability of medical professionals.
