Supreme Court Seeks Answers in NEET-UG 2024 Row Over Alleged Paper Leak

The Supreme Court has taken cognizance of the ongoing controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2024 examination following allegations of a potential paper leak. Justices Vikram Nath and Ahsanuddin Amanullah presided over the hearing and emphasized the significance of maintaining the sanctity of the examination process. The bench issued a notice to the National Testing Agency (NTA) and raised concerns about the integrity of the NEET-UG 2024 results.

During the proceedings, the Supreme Court highlighted the need for answers regarding the alleged discrepancies in scores and the preferential treatment some students may have received. The petition filed by individuals from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh called for the cancellation of the exam results and demanded a fresh examination.

The petitioners pointed out inconsistencies in the allocation of grace marks, noting the lack of transparency in this process. They also raised questions about statistically improbable scores, including instances of students achieving a perfect score of 720 out of 720 in the exam.

Moreover, the petition drew attention to concerns about potential cheating in a medical entrance test, stressing the importance of upholding ethical standards in the field. The plea highlighted the risks associated with allowing misconduct in such critical assessments that impact patient safety and medical competence.

Emphasizing the broader social implications of exam malpractice, the petition underscored the negative impact on meritocracy and equal opportunities. It pointed out how cheating undermines fairness and equality in society, favoring those who engage in fraudulent activities over individuals who rely on hard work and merit.

The Supreme Court scheduled the next hearing for July 8 and indicated that while counselling for admissions will proceed, the matter will be reviewed further. The NTA has also initiated a process to address the grievances of students affected by the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 exam.