New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has assumed responsibility for investigating alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG medical entrance examination following a directive from the Union Ministry of Education. Concurrently, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has taken disciplinary action against 17 students in Bihar for involvement in malpractices.
Amid calls for the cancellation of the May 5 exam, ministry officials reiterated that reported malpractices were localized and should not jeopardize the aspirations of the vast majority of candidates who cleared the exam legitimately.
A retest was conducted for candidates affected by the withdrawal of grace marks, resulting in 813 out of 1,563 candidates participating. Allegations of mark inflation were raised after several candidates from the same center in Haryana scored perfect 720 marks alongside 61 others.
“Approximately 52% of affected candidates participated in the retest, with significant representation from Chattisgarh (291), Gujarat (1), Haryana (287), and Meghalaya (234),” a senior NTA official confirmed.
Over 13 lakh candidates out of around 25 lakh who qualified this year will compete for approximately 1.8 lakh MBBS/dental seats.
In response to allegations of irregularities and clustering of high scorers, the NTA clarified that the top one lakh candidates were distributed across 4,500 centers nationwide, with a majority originating from rural or semi-rural areas.
The Bihar Police’s Economic Offences Unit submitted a report to the Education Ministry, prompting the CBI to launch an investigation into the NEET-UG under sections including criminal conspiracy and cheating.
“The Education Ministry’s complaint, now part of the FIR, highlights isolated incidents during the examination in a few states,” a CBI spokesperson stated.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) questioned two teachers from a private coaching center in Latur district regarding alleged irregularities.
The removal of NTA DG Subodh Kumar Singh and subsequent appointments await further orders. Opposition parties intensified their criticism, with demands for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and allegations of systemic corruption in the education sector.
The BJP defended the government’s actions, citing the enactment of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, and the establishment of a high-powered committee to streamline examination processes.
“The NEET issue has been tackled head-on with preemptive measures to safeguard student interests,” stated BJP’s IT department head Amit Malviya, while accusing the Congress of politicizing the issue.
A high-level panel appointed by the ministry will convene to propose examination reforms and review the NTA’s operations, underscoring the government’s commitment to transparent and fair examinations.
Amidst speculation of compromised web security, the NTA reassured the public that its website and portals remain fully secure and operational.
NEET-UG, held on May 5 across 4,750 centers, serves as the gateway for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and related courses in both government and private institutions nationwide.
