NEET-UG Results Show Surge from Small Towns Amid Controversy

The National Testing Agency (NTA) released the results for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG) on Saturday, shedding light on a notable increase in participation from smaller cities this year compared to the previous one.

In Sikar, Rajasthan, a remarkable 149 students scored 700 or more points on the exam, with over 2,000 students achieving scores above 650. This trend signifies a shift in the demographic profile of successful candidates, as traditionally, coaching hubs like Sikar, Kota, and Kottayam have dominated.

Despite ongoing controversies surrounding the NEET-UG exam, including pending Supreme Court decisions regarding the potential cancellation and rescheduling of the test, there are positive indicators emerging from the recently released data.

Officials connected to the government indicate that this year, out of a total of 720 marks, 2,321 students from 276 different cities and 1,404 examination centers achieved scores of 700 or higher. In contrast, only 310 centers across 116 cities produced similar high scorers in 2023.

This improvement suggests a diversification of success, with students from smaller towns making their mark. Notable mentions include 35 students from Lucknow, 27 from Kolkata, 25 from Latur, and 20 from Nagpur reaching the prestigious 700-point mark. Smaller centers also contributed significantly, with towns like Coimbatore and Noida producing 14 high scorers each.

Sikar stands out not just for its quantity of high achievers but also for the overall performance of its candidates. Among those who scored over 650 marks, the number exceeds 2,000, while over 4,000 candidates scored more than 600 marks in this year’s NEET-UG.

Additionally, a closer examination makes it clear that students scoring between 650-699 marks this year also exhibited a broader participation base, climbing from 381 cities and 2,431 centers last year to 509 cities and 4,040 centers this time. Similarly, the range of students scoring between 600-649 has expanded, reflecting more inclusivity in performance.

In light of the discrepancies reported in examinations, such as the zero or negative scoring incidents, various petitions have surfaced in the Supreme Court, demanding a reconsideration of the exam process. While NTA aims to defend the integrity of the exam, the focus remains on the surprising results amidst allegations of irregularities, including a notable case where a student from Bihar scored a staggering negative 180 points.

The report highlights that over 11,000 students either scored zero or obtained negative marks. According to NTA, the scoring system involves awarding four points for each correct answer but deducting one point for incorrect responses, leading to potential zero scores for students who strategically answered some questions but got many wrong.

As scrutiny of the NEET-UG exam continues, emphasis is being placed on the exemplary performances of students from smaller cities, who have proven that competence transcends geographical limitations. The Supreme Court is expected to hear final arguments regarding the NEET-UG case soon, and the outcome could shape the future of medical entrance examinations in India.

Overall, the 2024 NEET-UG results present a mixed narrative, highlighting successes while encapsulating the challenges and controversies facing national examinations. As discussions unfold, the academic community eagerly awaits the judicial resolution that could impact countless aspiring medical students.