Confusion and frustration cloud India's medical entrance exam, NEET-UG, as hundreds of students face a re-test. The National Testing Agency (NTA) flagged irregularities in the original exam, prompting a re-exam for 1,563 students who received "grace marks." These students' scores were deemed questionable, and their original scorecards were cancelled.
The re-exam has sparked outrage, with students like Palak from Gujarat questioning the fairness of retaking the test after scoring well (682 marks). Protests erupted in Rajkot, with students demanding scrapping of the re-exam, arguing that those who performed poorly are pushing for a second chance.
Given that, the government is taking a tough stance against exam rigging.
They vowed to investigate all irregularities with the help of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). A new Public Examination Act aims to deter future cheating with hefty fines (₹1 crore) and lengthy jail sentences (up to 10 years).
The Supreme Court has put NEET-UG counselling on hold for the unversed, initially scheduled for July 6th. The court will hear petitions on July 8th, adding to the uncertainty faced by aspiring medical students. The postponement of NEET-PG exams due to a separate paper leak only adds to the chaos.
With students protesting, the government cracking down on cheating, and the top court reviewing the process, the future of NEET-UG 2024 admissions remains in the air.
