Government Cancels UGC-NET 2024 Exam Amid Alleged Irregularities: Full Update

The Union Education Ministry made a significant announcement recently by deciding to cancel the UGC-NET 2024 examination following inputs suggesting that the test’s integrity may have been compromised.

This move came amid escalating controversy over alleged irregularities in the NEET exam, which is currently under the scrutiny of the Supreme Court. The NEET exam, a key medical entrance test, is also facing serious concerns regarding the conduct and fairness of the test.

The Ministry’s decision to scrap the UGC-NET exam was based on available inputs, and the case has been referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further investigation.

Several high-stake exams, including the NEET and UGC-NET, are conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which has been at the center of these recent controversies.

The cancellation of the UGC-NET, a crucial exam for aspiring teachers and Ph.D. candidates, marks a pivotal moment as it indicates the challenges facing standardized testing procedures in India.

One significant law that played a key role in dealing with such issues is the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024. This law was passed after being introduced and cleared by the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and the President of India earlier this year.

Amid the cancelation of high-stakes exams like the UGC-NET, various politicians and organizations have reacted differently to the situation. Notably, Bihar Deputy CM Vijay Sinha drew connections between the recent issues and the opposition party leader Tejashwi Yadav, creating further discussions.

The government’s abrupt decision has led to criticisms and protests, with organizations like NSUI staging demonstrations outside concerned authorities’ residences.

The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) expressed its concerns over the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam and demanded strict actions against any wrongdoing in the exam-conducting procedures.

Additionally, popular figures from Congress like Jairam Ramesh and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned the government’s role and accountability in the examination processes.