NEET-UG Row: CBI takes over probe amid allegations of irregularities; NTA debars 110 students

In a retest for students whose grace marks were rescinded following a Supreme Court ruling, only 813 out of 1,563 eligible candidates participated on June 23.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), on June 23, took over the investigation into alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG medical entrance exam following a referral from the Union education ministry. Concurrently, the National Testing Agency (NTA) debarred 17 more students from examination centers in Bihar due to "malpractices," bringing the total number of disqualified candidates to 110.

Despite calls for the May 5 exam's cancellation, ministry officials emphasised that the malpractice incidents were "localised" or "isolated" and that it would be unfair to jeopardise the careers of the many candidates who rightfully passed the exam.

In a retest for students whose grace marks were rescinded following a Supreme Court ruling, only 813 out of 1,563 eligible candidates participated on June 23. These students were initially awarded grace marks due to delays at six centers on May 5, leading to concerns when several high scores emerged from a single center in Haryana.

A senior NTA official reported, "At least 52 percent — 813 out of 1,563 candidates — appeared for the retest on Sunday. While no candidate appeared in Chandigarh, 291 candidates from Chhattisgarh, 1 from Gujarat, 287 from Haryana, and 234 from Meghalaya participated."

Over 13 lakh candidates out of approximately 25 lakh qualified for NEET-UG this year, competing for around 1.8 lakh MBBS and dental seats. Amid allegations of irregularities and "bunching of high scorers," the NTA noted that the top one lakh candidates were spread across 4,500 centers nationwide, with nearly two-thirds from rural or semi-rural areas.

The Bihar Police's Economic Offences Unit submitted a report to the Education Ministry, prompting the CBI investigation. The CBI filed an FIR under IPC sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) regarding the alleged irregularities. The ministry's complaint detailed "certain isolated incidents" in a few states during the exam.

The CBI's investigation will cover the roles of candidates, institutes, middlemen, and any public servants involved. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad questioned two teachers from a private coaching center in Latur about the irregularities.

Following the controversy, the Union education ministry removed NTA Director General Subodh Kumar Singh and established a high-level panel led by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan to recommend exam reforms and review the NTA's functioning.

Opposition parties have criticised the government's handling of the situation, with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra condemned the government's actions, while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin called the exam cancellations evidence of a broken system.

The BJP defended the government's response, highlighting the enactment of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, the formation of a high-powered committee, and the initiation of a CBI probe. The NTA also assured that its website and portals are secure, dismissing reports of hacking as misleading.

The NEET-UG exam, held on May 5 at 4,750 centers, saw around 24 lakh candidates appear. Despite the controversies, results were announced on June 4, earlier than expected. NEET-UG is crucial for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses in both government and private institutions across India.

With agency inputs