Left-affiliated student unions organized a protest near the education ministry on Monday, demanding an investigation into alleged irregularities in the NEET exam, according to a statement.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) revealed on Saturday that the education ministry has created a four-member panel to review the awarding of grace marks to over 1,500 candidates. This move comes amid claims that inflated marks led to 67 candidates sharing the top rank in the NEET-UG medical entrance exam.
Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union vice president Avijit Ghosh called for an independent and transparent investigation to ensure accountability. “We demand the ministry to establish a more reliable and secure examination system to safeguard the integrity of entrance exams," Ghosh said.
Students are united in their demand for a fair and transparent exam process, emphasizing the future of many students is at risk and immediate action is necessary from the ministry.
The NTA has refuted allegations of irregularities, explaining that high scores resulted from updates to National Council of Educational Research and Training textbooks and grace marks given for lost time at exam centres.
The issue has gained political traction, with several parties questioning the authenticity of the national medical entrance exam. Following the announcement of the exam results on June 4, there have been widespread allegations of irregularities, with many aspirants calling for a retake.
This year, a record 24 lakh candidates registered for the exam, with 67 candidates, including eight from a single centre in Haryana, achieving the top rank.