Widespread Petitions Demand CBI Investigation Into Alleged NEET 2024 Scam, Involving 40,000 Students

Continuous petitions demanding an investigation into the alleged NEET 2024 exam scam have been filed across the country, involving 40,000 students and reaching seven High Courts and the Supreme Court. A recent petition submitted to the Supreme Court calls for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to handle the probe and enforce strict actions against those responsible. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the NEET exam, is under scrutiny, though it maintains that no malpractices occurred. According to the NTA, delays in distributing question papers affected only six centers, with 1,600 candidates lodging complaints that are being addressed.

Questions arise regarding the one-day registration period, the arrest of 13 individuals in Bihar linked to a paper leak, and the NTA’s subsequent actions. Despite the discovery of burnt note papers by the police, the NTA has not taken significant steps, and approval from the governing body for awarding grace marks due to delays is unclear. The principal of Hardayal Public School in Jhajhar reported no late arrivals for the exam, raising doubts about the necessity of grace marks, especially since six students from this school achieved perfect scores of 720.

Also read: Water Crisis Deepens In Delhi As Wazirabad Pond Faces Depletion

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the NTA, demanding a response, with a hearing set for July 8. Meanwhile, counseling is scheduled to begin on July 6, prompting concerns over the NTA’s lack of action. The NEET-UG exam, conducted on May 5 across 4,750 centers with around 24 lakh participants, had its results declared early on June 4 instead of the expected June 14.

Petitioners argue that the committee formed by the NTA is unlikely to uncover the truth and emphasize the need for a credible, impartial investigation to restore public confidence in the examination system.