New Delhi: The Centre informed the Supreme Court on Thursday that it will implement all corrective measures recommended by the seven-member expert panel reviewing the National Testing Agency (NTA) and its conduct of the NEET-UG 2024 examination.
The Supreme Court had earlier refused to annul the NEET-UG 2024, citing insufficient evidence to indicate systemic malpractice. Instead, it expanded the scope of the expert panel, led by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan, to suggest comprehensive reforms to ensure transparency and eliminate malpractices in the examination process.
Key Updates
- Panel Recommendations:
- The Centre has accepted all recommendations from the expert panel, which reviewed NTA’s exam procedures and identified gaps in security and administration.
- The report, while not fully disclosed due to sensitive details, addresses issues like question paper printing, transportation, and distribution.
- Supreme Court Observations:
- Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Manoj Misra adjourned the matter for three months, scheduling the next hearing in April 2025.
- The court highlighted past lapses in NEET-UG, including a security breach at a Jharkhand examination center and mishandling of question papers.
- Panel Scope:
- Security and Administration: Strengthening protocols at examination centers.
- Data and Technological Enhancements: Ensuring data protection and improving digital infrastructure.
- Policy and Collaboration: Engaging stakeholders and fostering international cooperation.
- Mental Health Support: Providing support to students and training NTA staff to handle exam-related stress.
- Panel Members: The committee includes prominent figures such as Dr. Randeep Guleria, B J Rao, Ramamurthy K, Pankaj Bansal, Aditya Mittal, and Govind Jaiswal alongside its chairman, K Radhakrishnan.
Background
The NEET-UG exam, conducted by the NTA for admissions to medical and allied courses, saw participation from over 23 lakh students in 2024. Controversies arose after incidents of mismanagement, such as:
- Unauthorized access to question papers in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh.
- Transporting question papers via e-rickshaws.
- Distribution of incorrect question papers to candidates.
These incidents prompted scrutiny of the NTA’s protocols, leading to the formation of the expert panel.
Implications
The Centre’s commitment to implementing the panel’s recommendations signals a shift towards enhancing the integrity and transparency of NEET-UG. By addressing loopholes in security and administration, the reforms aim to restore confidence in the examination process and ensure a fair assessment environment for millions of aspiring medical students.
The next update is expected in April 2025, following the government’s progress in executing the proposed measures.
