Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan spoke out today, June 16, 2024, addressing the ongoing controversy surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). He reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability in the education system.
Pradhan underscored the gravity of the situation, stating that strict actions would be taken against any officials found guilty of misconduct. He emphasised the need for significant improvements within the National Testing Agency (NTA), the body responsible for conducting NEET exams.
The Minister highlighted recent developments, revealing that a re-test has been ordered for 1,563 candidates following irregularities detected in two locations. Pradhan assured that the government is treating the matter with utmost seriousness and that no wrongdoing will go unpunished.
During a press conference, Pradhan clarified the circumstances surrounding students who received grace marks in the NEET UG 2024 exam. He explained that these students, numbering 1,563, were granted grace marks due to time constraints during the exam.
Pradhan outlined two options available to these students: either retake the exam on June 23, with revised scores to be issued by June 30, or accept their original scores without the grace marks. He made it clear that there is no evidence of a paper leak in connection with the exam.
In response to the situation, the NTA informed the Supreme Court that it has formed a committee to re-evaluate the results of the affected candidates. The original scorecards of these students will be annulled, and they will be offered the opportunity to participate in a re-test. The re-examination is scheduled for June 23, with results expected before June 30.
The NEET UG 2024 exam, conducted on May 5 across 4,750 centres for approximately 24 lakh students, has been marred by allegations of question paper leaks and the unjustified awarding of grace marks. These allegations have sparked protests and legal actions in various courts across the country.
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