NTA opposes cancellation of NEET UG exam due to isolated malpractices

The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Friday opposed the cancellation of the NEET UG exam, arguing before the Supreme Court that the alleged malpractices took place only at the Patna and Godhra exam centres. The agency said the entire exam should not be invalidated based on these isolated incidents.

This opposition comes after the Centre also contested the request to cancel the medical entrance exam in its affidavit.

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In a detailed 97-page statement, the NTA refuted allegations that candidates scoring high marks were concentrated in certain centres. The agency said it had concealed the results of students involved in malpractices, issued notices of termination and initiated criminal and exclusion proceedings.

The NTA stressed that isolated instances of unfair means and leaks of documents did not compromise the “integrity and sanctity” of the examination.

“It is submitted that the cancellation of the entire examination process without tangible factors justifying such action would be extremely detrimental to the general public interest, affecting the academic careers of hundreds of thousands of students,” the affidavit reads.

Appropriate checks and balances

Given the sensitivity of the high stakes of the NEET (UG) 2024 exam, the NTA has used Aadhaar authentication at the exam centres to prevent malpractices such as impersonation. The agency said a conclusive opinion on the existence of systematic failure can only be given after a thorough examination of all relevant factors.

The NTA detailed the rigorous process of selecting examination centres, with emphasis on assessing logistical and infrastructural facilities, security measures, the agency’s experience in conducting competitive examinations and accessibility for candidates with disabilities.

Preparation of the questionnaire

The NTA described the secure process of preparing the questionnaires by qualified experts on its premises. The experts do not know whether their questions will be included in a particular examination. Printing is done on confidential, NTA-authorized presses. Two sets of questionnaires are prepared, only one being used, and the questions are sequenced randomly.

Performance analysis

The NTA said the NEET-UG 2024 exam was conducted for 23 lakh students at 4,750 centres in 571 cities. The performance analysis did not show any abnormal score at any particular centre with the results being in line with national averages. The agency argued that the alleged malpractices involved only a tiny number of candidates and cancelling the exam in its entirety would be counterproductive and detrimental to public interest and career prospects of qualified candidates.

Incident at Godhra centre

The affidavit highlights an incident at the Godhra centre, which was allegedly masterminded by Deputy Superintendent Tushar Bhatt. The investigation, initially led by the local police, was handed over to the CBI. Arrests have been made, including those of the students involved.

Measures taken by the NTA

The NTA said that ‘DO’ letters have been issued by the Director General (NTA) to Chief Secretaries, DGPs of all states and Union Territories and local authorities in March 2024, seeking guidance and support for specific security protocols to maintain the sanctity of the examination process.

The affidavit comes ahead of the Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud being called to hear a batch of petitions in the NEET UG exam case.