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.