NEET 2024 results controversies continues, No integrity compromised, says NTA

 NEET Director General Subodh Kumar refuted claims of a paper leak, explaining that the problems were confined to six centers and impacted just 1,600 of the 24 lakh candidates. He guaranteed that the overall integrity of the exam remained intact.

Days after numerous National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) aspirants alleged irregularities and inflated marks, resulting in 67 candidates sharing the top rank, Director General Subodh Kumar reiterated on Saturday that there was no paper leak. Speaking at a press conference, the NTA chief stated that a thorough analysis by the agency revealed that the issue was confined to just six exam centers. Kumar also mentioned that the results for NEET candidates who were awarded grace marks might be revised. He added that the Education Ministry has established a panel to re-examine the results of over 1,500 students. However, he assured that the admission process would remain unaffected.

"We have transparently analyzed all aspects and declared the results," Kumar stated.

"Out of 4,750 exam centers, the issue was confined to six centers, affecting only 1,600 out of the 24 lakh candidates. The integrity of this exam across the country was not compromised," he added.

"We reviewed our system and found no paper leak," Kumar said

"There were certain issues raised by the candidates. This is the largest competitive exam in the world or country, conducted in a single shift with about 24 lakh candidates and 4,750 centers. The scale of this examination is immense. Issues were identified at about six centers, affecting around 16,000 candidates due to the incorrect distribution of question papers," Kumar acknowledged.

"The candidates alleged that they had less time. We have responded in the High Court, stating that we have formed a grievance redressal committee of experts. This committee will examine the details of the time lost, including reports from the centers and CCTV footage," he added. The NTA Director General also mentioned that the compensation with grace marks in NEET-UG has not affected the qualifying criteria. He stated that a panel is currently reviewing the issue of grace marks and is expected to submit its report within a week.

Several NEET aspirants have alleged mark inflation, which resulted in a record 67 candidates achieving the top rank, including six from the same exam center.

However, the NTA denied any irregularities, attributing the higher scores to changes made in the NCERT textbooks and the grace marks awarded for lost time at the examination centers.