The NEET 2024 exam results have sparked nationwide controversy. Released on June 4 by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the results quickly drew attention. An unusual occurrence emerged—67 candidates achieved a perfect score of 720 out of 720, securing the top rank of AIR 1. Additionally, discrepancies arose concerning scores of 718 and 719, with skeptics questioning their plausibility.
Petitions on NEET 2024 Exam Results Controversy?
Two petitions were filed in different High Courts challenging the validity of the results. A plea was also lodged in the Supreme Court on June 1, citing suspicions of a leaked question paper. This followed a similar plea last month, which the Supreme Court declined to halt the publication of results for.
Eight of the top scorers were from the same examination center in Haryana?
Another startling revelation showed that eight of the top scorers were from the same examination center in Haryana, sharing consecutive sequence numbers. This prompted some parents to file a complaint with the local authority in Jhajjar, Haryana, asking for an investigation into alleged anomalies.
44 of the top scorers answered a basic physics question incorrectly?
A controversy involving the NCERT textbook also emerged. Reports indicated that 44 of the top scorers answered a basic physics question incorrectly but received extra marks due to an error in an older version of the NCERT Class 12 textbook. Over 13,000 candidates challenged the provisional answer key released on May 29, citing conflicting textbook information. The NTA chose not to penalize these students and emphasized the importance of relying on NCERT textbooks for NEET preparation.
The scores of 718 and 719 were justified by the NTA as compensatory marks given to candidates who faced time constraints during the exam at certain centers. A committee of experts determined the compensation based on the candidates’ answering efficiency and time loss.
Accusations of a leaked question paper in Patna were strongly denied by the NTA
Investigations are ongoing, and arrests related to impersonation have been made. The NTA insists that the examination process was secure and impartial. Additionally, a peculiar incident in Sawai Madhopur led to some Hindi-medium students unknowingly receiving English-medium question papers, causing them to walk out during the exam.
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NTA defended the early release of results
The NTA defended the early release of results, emphasizing their commitment to swiftly processing outcomes post-answer key challenges. The rising cutoff scores were attributed to the increased number of high-performing participants this year. With a record 23.81 lakh students registering for NEET UG, the heightened competition likely contributed to the elevated cutoff marks observed in the 2024 edition.
Talking about the transparency of NTA, Mr. Gaurav Tyagi, founder of Career Xpert, said, “The medical education community is extremely concerned about the recent issue regarding the NEET 2024 exam results. As a medical counselor, it is critical to address the fairness and transparency of the examination procedure. Students invest a great deal of time and energy in their preparation, so differences in the outcomes could harm their future. Since the results of the NEET exam often determine the course of many prospective doctors’ careers, its integrity is vital.”
Further talking about the controversy, Mr. Akash Sharma, Director of Admission & Outreach, Noida International University, said, “The NEET 2024 exam has been embroiled in several controversies that have sparked significant concerns among students, universities, and educational authorities. Paper Leak Allegations, Result Discrepancies, Grace Marks, and Exam Timing are a few key allegations. The controversies surrounding NEET 2024 have cast a shadow over the integrity of the examination process, affecting both students’ futures and the operational stability of medical education institutions. The resolution of these issues will be critical in restoring trust in the system.”
The NEET 2024 Exam Results Controversy has thus highlighted various issues and discrepancies, leading to widespread debate and calls for investigation.