NEET-UG Row: 63 Candidates Expelled from Exam Amid Allegations of Irregularities

The National Testing Agency (NTA) took significant actions following allegations of irregularities and scams in the NEET-UG exam. A total of 63 candidates from across the country have been expelled from the examination. The NTA made a major move in Bihar and Gujarat, where 17 candidates from Bihar and 30 candidates from Godhara’s centers in Gujarat were removed from the exam.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated its first FIR in connection with irregularities, following complaints lodged by the Ministry of Education against unidentified individuals. The CBI is conducting an investigation into alleged irregularities and fraud cases that emerged during the NEET-UG exam held on May 5.

In response to complaints of irregularities, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has removed its Director, Subodh Kumar Singh, from his position and established a panel to investigate irregularities in the NEET exam. The re-examination was conducted on June 23 for 1563 candidates who allegedly received grace marks in the NEET result.

Challenges arose during the re-exam as only 813 candidates out of the 1563 appeared for the retest. Notably, the examination centers had significantly fewer candidates than expected in various regions. For instance, at a center in Chandigarh, only two candidates were scheduled to take the exam, but both were absent.

In many centers, candidates failed to arrive on time for the afternoon exam scheduled from 2:00 PM to 5:20 PM. Additionally, some examination centers reported a low turnout of candidates, indicating a lack of participation in the re-examination.

Severe discrepancies were noted in the examination centers in Balod, Chhattisgarh, where out of the 185 candidates assigned to take the re-examination, 70 candidates were absent. Similarly, in Chandigarh, the exam center designated for only two candidates had no attendees.

The government took a significant step to address fraudulent practices in NEET and UGC-NET exams, introducing the Public Examination (Prevention of Inappropriate Means) Act, 2024, aimed at curbing malpractices in competitive and general entrance tests nationwide.