NEET 2024 Exam Controversies and Solutions

Jul 2, 2024

NEET Exam 2024: Controversies, Issues, and Solutions

Main Points

  • Controversies of NEET 2024 Exam:

    • The NEET exam was held on May 5, in which 2.4 million students participated.
    • Results were announced on June 4, showing several discrepancies.
    • Approximately 1500 students were given grace marks and 67 students topped.
    • Many toppers took the exam from the same center.
  • Government's Response:

    • On June 13, the Education Minister stated in the Supreme Court that there is no evidence of paper leak in NEET UG Exam.
    • Numerous petitions were filed in the Supreme Court on June 18, demanding the cancellation of the exam.
    • On June 20, Bihar Police arrested Anurag Yadav in connection with the paper leak case.
  • Status of Other Exams:

    • On June 19, the Union Education Ministry canceled the UGC NET exam.
    • On June 21, the CSIR UGC NET exam was also canceled.
    • On June 22, the NEET PG exam was postponed.

Discrepancies in the Exam

  • Godhra Case:

    • Cheating was reported at the Jai Jalaram School exam center in Panchmahal district.
    • During the exam, students were asked to fill in answers and the remaining answers were filled by their teachers.
    • Five people were arrested in this case.
  • Patna Case:

    • A paper leak case was also reported in Patna, in which several people were arrested.
    • Students and families leaked question papers by paying between 25 to 30 lakhs.
    • The kingpin of this entire scam was Sanjeev Singh.

NTA and Its Responsibilities

  • NTA is responsible for several exams but lacks resources.
  • NTA often outsources many things, increasing the risk of paper leaks.
  • Paper-based exams have more steps, increasing the chances of interference.

Solutions

  • Resource and Technical Improvements:

    • NTA needs more resources and full-time staff.
    • Online exams should be promoted.
    • CCTV cameras and other security measures should be implemented in every exam room.
  • Modern Security Measures:

    • Security measures from countries like China, such as AI and ML-powered security cameras, should be adopted.
    • Use of jamming devices and satellite navigation.
  • Rigorous Transparency and Accountability:

    • NTA should bring more transparency and accountability in its functions and operations.
    • There should be strict punishment and fines for malpractice in exams.

Case Studies and Human Interest Stories

  • Hanu Sharma's Case:
    • 19-year-old Hanu Sharma was the first in his family to go to college, but the system failed him.
  • Paranjay's Example:
    • After many exams, his results were annulled.

Conclusion

  • Considering the future and mental health of millions of students, transparency and fairness must be ensured in exams.
  • There is a need to reform the higher education system to maintain students' trust.