The Supreme Court has delivered a stern critique of the National Testing Agency (NTA) following the NEET-UG 2024 exam, highlighting numerous procedural and security shortcomings. Although the Court’s ruling did not warrant the cancellation of the exam, it emphasized serious concerns about the NTA’s handling of the process.
In its judgment, the Court detailed a series of failures that, while not compromising the exam’s integrity on a systemic level, nonetheless signaled a need for significant improvements. NEET, with its pool of over twenty-three lakh candidates, demands stringent oversight and flawless execution, the Court noted.
Key issues identified include:
- Security Breaches and Paper Handling: The Court reported instances of question paper leaks in Patna and Hazaribagh, as well as unauthorized access due to lax security measures. The use of e-rickshaws and private courier services for transporting papers raised further red flags.
- OMR Sheet Protocols: There was a lack of clear guidelines for sealing OMR sheets, leaving room for potential tampering. Additionally, the reliance on external invigilators without direct oversight posed risks for integrity.
- Incorrect Distribution of Question Papers: An error led to the distribution of the wrong set of question papers at twelve centres, attributed to poor coordination or communication breakdowns between custodians and city coordinators.
- Ambiguous Question and Grace Marks: The NTA’s decision to award grace marks for an ambiguous question was later challenged, leading to revisions of results. The Court criticized the fluctuations in decisions regarding grace marks and compensatory measures, stressing the need for consistent and well-considered actions.
The Court urged the NTA to address these issues and implement robust security and procedural safeguards. The Union Government’s committee was also advised to factor these concerns into future recommendations.
