New Delhi: The Supreme Court determined that there was no systemic breach in the administration of the National Entrance cum Eligibility Test – Undergraduate 2024 (NEET-UG 2024).
It added that the paper leak was only limited to Patna and Hazaribagh.
The Supreme Court noted in its judgment that it has outlined all the shortcomings in the structural processes of the NTA. “We cannot allow this to continue for the betterment of the students,” the Supreme Court remarked. The Court insisted that the issues identified need to be addressed by the Centre within this year to prevent recurrence.
The Supreme Court also mentioned that the committee formed by the Centre should consider establishing SOPs for technological improvements to pinpoint potential vulnerabilities in the cybersecurity of the examination system, including processes for improved identity verification and CCTV surveillance of examination centres.
Previously, on July 23, the Supreme Court declined to annul the NEET-UG 2024 exam, stating that the cancellation request was unwarranted.
The Court acknowledged that mandating a new NEET-UG for the current year would have significant repercussions for the more than 24 lakh students who took the exam.
The Court voiced its apprehension that a retest could lead to severe implications for these students and disrupt the academic calendar, possibly resulting in long-term complications.
It is important to note that the NEET-UG exam, administered by the NTA, serves as the gateway for entry into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses in both government and private institutions nationwide.
The NEET-UG 2024 was conducted in 4,750 centres on May 5, with approximately 24 lakh candidates participating.
