The Delhi High Court is expected to deliver its judgment today, January 7, 2025, on a petition challenging the results of the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024. The exam, conducted on November 24, is a gateway to admissions in the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools. The controversy arose over alleged errors in the official answer key, which the petitioner claims significantly impacted the fairness of the results.
The petitioner, supported by evidence from CAT coaching institutes and feedback from other candidates, alleged discrepancies in a specific question of the exam. A total of 272 objections were filed concerning this question, yet the organizing institute, IIM Calcutta, upheld its original answer. The petitioner argued that IIM Calcutta failed to provide adequate explanations or disclose the identities of the experts who reviewed the objections, raising questions about the transparency of the review process.
Videos from coaching institutes highlighting the discrepancies were presented as evidence in court, along with arguments citing a recent Delhi High Court precedent where errors in the CLAT examination answer key led to a revision of results.
Senior Advocate Arvind Nayar, representing IIM Calcutta, defended the integrity of the examination process. He stated that a panel of subject matter experts had thoroughly reviewed all objections before finalizing the answer key. The credentials of these experts were submitted to the Court in a sealed cover. Nayar emphasized that differing opinions do not undermine the judgment of qualified experts.
The defense also argued that the results were declared within a reasonable timeline and adhered to established protocols, dismissing claims that candidates were denied the opportunity to seek legal recourse.
Timeline of Events
- November 24, 2024: CAT exam conducted.
- December 3, 2024: Provisional answer key released; objections invited.
- December 19, 2024: Final answer key and results declared without any changes to the disputed question.
The petitioner criticized the early declaration of results, claiming it deviated from usual timelines and left candidates with insufficient time to address grievances.
During the hearing on January 3, Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju noted that judicial intervention in competitive exams is typically limited to cases of substantial error. The Court highlighted the need for compelling circumstances to justify such interference.
The petitioner has urged the Court to set aside the results and appoint an independent expert committee to reassess the disputed question. The outcome of today’s ruling could have far-reaching implications for the credibility of the CAT 2024 results and the examination process.
Stay tuned for updates as the Delhi High Court announces its decision later today.
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