NEET-UG 2024: From Leaks to Cancellation Requests — A Complete Timeline of Legal Battles

NEET-UG 2024: The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)-UG 2024, a key examination for aspiring doctors in India, has been mired in controversy. Allegations of question paper leaks, awarding of ‘grace marks’ and concerns over the integrity of the exam have led to a series of legal battles all the way to the Supreme Court.

During the hearing on July 8, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said that ordering a retest for nearly 24 lakh students would be a last resort. Many of these candidates, he noted, come from poor families and cannot afford the extra travel expenses unless absolutely necessary. Here is a complete timeline of the events that have unfolded so far:

May 5, 2024: The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the NEET-UG exam for over 24 lakh students at 4,750 centres in 571 cities, including 14 abroad.

May 17, 2024: A petition alleging irregularities in the exam has reached the Supreme Court. The petition raises concerns about possible leakage of exam papers.

June 4, 2024: The much-awaited NEET-UG results are out, raising eyebrows amid an unusually high number of students who scored the best (67). Also, there are reports of awarding ‘grace marks’ to a specific group of students, fuelling suspicions further.

June 8, 2024: Discontent over the results spills onto the streets as students and parents demonstrate across the country. Demands for re-examination and re-evaluation grow.

June 10, 2024: The controversy is intensifying as multiple petitions are filed in the Supreme Court, seeking a re-examination due to alleged irregularities. Political leaders are also joining the chorus, demanding a thorough investigation.

June 11, 2024: Taking cognizance of the situation, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the NTA and the central government, asking them to respond to the allegations surrounding the exam. The Court acknowledged that the sanctity of the exam could be compromised.

June 13, 2024: The Supreme Court has ordered a review of the 1,563 students who received “grace marks”. The Court stresses the need to maintain fairness and transparency in the selection process.

June 14, 2024: The education minister categorically denies allegations of corruption surrounding the exam, asserting the integrity of the process. However, the government agrees to cooperate with ongoing investigations.

June 15, 2024: Amid the ongoing controversy, a fresh petition has been filed in the Supreme Court, demanding a re-evaluation of all answer sheets to ensure a level playing field.

June 17, 2024: Education Minister admits exam irregularities, citing security breach, further fueling public anger.

June 18, 2024: The Supreme Court has deferred its decision on whether to order a CBI probe into the alleged malpractices and document leaks. The court is also considering the NTA’s plea to consolidate all NEET-related petitions under its jurisdiction.

June 19, 2024: Meanwhile, the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET), another crucial exam conducted by the NTA, is likely to be cancelled due to concerns over its integrity. This incident raises further questions about the functioning of the NTA.
June 20, 2024: Supreme Court directs Bihar and Gujarat police to submit detailed report on investigation into alleged leak of NEET-UG papers. Notably, the court refrains from ordering a national retest for all students, acknowledging the potential difficulties it would cause.

July 8, 2024: The Supreme Court continues its crucial hearing on the NEET-UG controversy. The Chief Justice points out that a retest for nearly 24 lakh students would be a last resort, highlighting the financial burden it would place on families. The Court stresses the need for a thorough investigation and a full disclosure report before taking a final decision.

July 11, 2024 (as of today): The Supreme Court is set to hold its next hearing in the NEET-UG case. The fate of the exam and the future of lakhs of medical aspirants hang in the balance.