750 Out Of 1,563 Students Skip NEET-UG Re-Test, Reveals NTA

At least 750 of the 1,563 candidates who were awarded grace marks in NEET-UG skipped the re-test held on Sunday, according to the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Approximately 813 candidates participated in the re-test, which was conducted across centers in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, and Meghalaya.

In Chhattisgarh, 291 out of 602 eligible candidates took the examination, 287 out of 494 in Haryana, and 234 out of 464 in Meghalaya. Both eligible candidates in Chandigarh were absent, while one student attended the test in Gujarat.

NEET-UG is an entrance exam for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses in government and private institutions.

Background on Grace Marks and Re-Test

The re-test was organized after the National Testing Agency withdrew grace marks previously awarded to students. These marks had been given to compensate for the loss of time due to delays at six examination centers.

A total of 67 students scored a perfect 720 marks, including six from a center in Haryana’s Faridabad, sparking allegations of grade inflation.

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NEET-UG Controversy

A major controversy has erupted over alleged irregularities in the NEET exam, which took place on May 5 across 4,750 centers, with about 24 lakh candidates. The results, initially expected on June 14, were announced on June 4 due to early completion of answer sheet evaluations.

The unprecedented perfect scores of 67 students, including six from Faridabad, have raised suspicions. Allegations of question paper leaks in Bihar and other irregularities have led to protests in several cities and multiple petitions in high courts and the Supreme Court.

Investigation and Legal Actions

The Bihar Police have arrested 13 people, including prime suspect Sikandar Yadavendu, in connection with the alleged paper leak.

The Centre has removed NTA Director General Subodh Singh and handed the investigation over to the CBI. The Union Education Ministry has also established a seven-member panel to review the NTA’s functioning and recommend reforms.

The CBI has filed an FIR regarding the alleged irregularities, officials confirmed on Sunday.