The Ministry of Education has cancelled the UGC-NET examination held on June 18, 2024, citing irregularities and compromises in the exam's integrity.
The decision followed inputs from the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), which suggested widespread malpractices during the exam. In response, the Ministry has announced that a fresh examination will be conducted, with new dates to be announced in due course. To ensure a thorough investigation, the matter has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), underscoring the government’s commitment to maintaining the credibility and transparency of the examination process.
The cancellation has provoked sharp criticism from the opposition, particularly the Congress party. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge labelled the current administration as the "paper leak government," demanding accountability from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also joined in the criticism, questioning the government's ability to conduct fair and secure exams. The opposition highlighted this incident as part of a broader pattern of failures, referencing recent controversies surrounding the NEET medical entrance exams.
The cancellation has sparked a heated debate over the government's management of the education sector and the integrity of competitive examinations. The Congress party has seized the opportunity to call for greater transparency and accountability in the examination process, urging the government to take concrete steps to prevent such issues.
Aspirants who appeared for the cancelled UGC-NET exam are now left in a state of uncertainty, anxiously awaiting further instructions from the National Testing Agency (NTA). Many candidates have expressed frustration and concern over the impact of these irregularities on their academic and professional futures. The NTA has assured students that it will provide clear guidance on the next steps and work to minimize any disruptions caused by the cancellation.
The CBI's involvement is expected to bring a comprehensive investigation into the malpractices, aiming to identify and address the root causes of the irregularities. This move is intended to restore confidence in the examination system and reassure candidates that unfair practices will not undermine their efforts.
As the investigation unfolds, the government faces mounting pressure to demonstrate its commitment to upholding the integrity of educational assessments and to implement measures to prevent such incidents from recurring. The UGC-NET exam cancellation has become a focal point in the ongoing debate about the administration's handling of education and examinations, with stakeholders calling for swift and effective action.