After SC criticizes Centre, Rahul questions Modi’s silence

Why is this story important?

Earlier this month, a group of 20 medical aspirants filed a plea in the Supreme Court seeking cancellation of the NEET-UG 2024 entrance test and a court-monitored probe by independent agencies into irregularities presumed.

The plea highlighted an unusual 400% increase in the number of candidates who scored between 620 and 720 marks and that 67 students scored a perfect score of 720/720 in the NEET 2024 exams.

Epicenter of paper leaks in BJP-ruled states: Gandhi

“The arrests in Bihar, Gujarat and Haryana…indicate…that there was planned and organized corruption in the exam process, with these BJP-ruled states becoming the epicenter of the leak of paper,” Gandhi said in his message

“In our manifesto, we ensured that the future of the youth is protected by enacting strict laws against paper leaks. Assuming our responsibility as the opposition, we pledge to make the voice of the youth heard loudly. …(in)…Parliament, and put pressure on the government to develop such strict policies,” he added.

Read Gandhi’s message here

“Even if 0.001% negligence…”: SC notice to NTA-Centre regarding NEET

Earlier today, the apex court issued notices to the NTA and the Center regarding pleas alleging paper leakage and malpractices in the NEET-UG 2024 exam.

The court emphasized that even minor negligence, as low as 0.001%, must be carefully handled.

“If there is 0.001% negligence on someone’s part, it needs to be addressed thoroughly,” the Supreme Court said.

Expect swift action from NTA: SC

The Supreme Court said it expects “swift action” from the NTA and that the agency must ensure that all applicants are treated fairly.

“As the agency that’s conducting the review, you have to act fairly. If there’s a mistake, say yes, it’s a mistake, and that’s the action we’re going to take. At least , it inspires confidence in your performance,” a bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice SVN Bhatti told the NTA.

Kids study hard to get through NEET: SC

The Supreme Court also observed that the agency should not forget the efforts made by students to prepare for one of the toughest entrance exams in the country.

“Imagine if a person who has defrauded the system becomes a doctor, he is even more harmful to society. Children study hard to pass the NEET level,” he adds.

The next hearing in this case will take place on July 8.

Controversy over NEET-UG 2024

The results of the exam, taken by 24 lakh students on May 5, were declared on June 4.

Shortly after, allegations of paper leaks emerged.

Many student organizations have been protesting against alleged irregularities in NEET such as distribution of incorrect question papers, torn OMR sheets, among others.

Opposition parties have been vocal on the issue, criticizing the Center over the alleged paper leaks.

Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan denied allegations of paper leak in NEET-UG 2024.