Govt postpones NEET-PG 2024 exam, scheduled retest amidst allegations of irregularities and integrity issues

The central government has postponed the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-PG) 2024 exam, which was initially scheduled for June 23, and ordered a retest for 1,563 NEET-UG 2024 candidates.

This decision was taken because of the allegations regarding irregularities and integrity issues surrounding the exams, leading to dissatisfaction and protests among students and doctors.

The Union Health Ministry announced the postponement of the NEET-PG 2024 exam as a "precautionary measure."

This move is part of a broader effort to ensure the robustness and fairness of the examination processes.

The fresh date for the exam will be announced soon. The Ministry told that this decision has been taken in the "best interests of the students and to maintain the sanctity of the examination process."

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reassured the government's commitment to maintaining transparent, tamper-free, and error-free examinations, stating that a thorough assessment of the NEET-PG processes would be undertaken.

This decision followed the cancellation of the initially awarded grace marks and aims to ensure a fair assessment for all candidates.

The retest is set to take place across various centers today, providing another opportunity for these students to secure their positions in medical colleges.

In response to allegations of discrepancies in the NEET-UG exam, the Education Ministry has taken stringent actions.

NTA Director General Subodh Singh has been removed from his position and placed on "compulsory wait" in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) till further orders.

India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) Chairman and Managing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola has been assigned additional charge of the NTA until a regular incumbent is appointed.

The Ministry has also handed over the investigation into the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG exam to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

This comprehensive investigation is expected to uncover the extent of malpractice, including allegations of cheating, impersonation, and other malpractices.

Furthermore, a seven-member panel led by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan has been established to review the NTA's functioning and recommend necessary reforms to ensure the integrity and fairness of future examinations.

The sudden postponement of the NEET-PG exam has sparked widespread outrage among students and doctors. Many had traveled long distances to their examination centers, only to be informed of the cancellation just hours before the scheduled exam.

Dr. Lakshya Mittal, president of the United Doctors Front Association, criticized the last-minute decision, describing it as "playing with the emotions of the doctors." He stressed the need for an investigation into the authorities responsible for both NEET-PG and NEET-UG exams.

Yagyawalkya Shukla, general secretary of the student body ABVP, demanded transparency from the National Board of Education and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. He insisted that students have the right to know the reasons behind the postponement.

JNU Student Union president Dhananjay echoed these sentiments, highlighting the inconvenience caused to students who had traveled across cities to sit for the exam.

FAIMA Doctors' Association president Dr. Rohan Krishnan also expressed solidarity with the affected students and demanded immediate explanations from the authorities.

The controversy over the NEET-UG 2024 results, which saw an unprecedented number of students scoring perfect marks, has led to legal actions and further investigations.

Allegations of a paper leak in Bihar have resulted in multiple arrests, and the Bihar Police's Economic Offences Unit is considering advanced forensic tests on the accused.

A petition has also been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a CBI and Enforcement Directorate investigation into the irregularities, with the court staying further proceedings on similar pleas in different high courts.

In Bihar, the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) last month arrested 13 people, including the prime suspect Sikandar Yadavendu, in connection with the alleged paper leak.

Recently, six more individuals were detained in Jharkhand's Deoghar district as part of the ongoing investigation.

Sources indicated that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) might also investigate the money laundering aspect of the alleged malpractice.

The top court had earlier sought responses from the Centre, the NTA, and others on a series of petitions, including those seeking the scrapping of the NEET-UG 2024 exam and a court-monitored probe.

The apex court had also stayed further proceedings on similar pleas pending before different high courts.

To address these issues comprehensively, the Education Ministry has set up a seven-member panel led by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan.

This panel is tasked with ensuring the transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of examinations through the NTA.

The panel's recommendations are expected to bring about significant reforms in the examination system to prevent future irregularities.

The Centre has operationalized a stringent law aimed at curbing malpractices and irregularities in competitive examinations.

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which received President Droupadi Murmu's assent four months ago, was notified by the Personnel Ministry.

The law includes provisions for a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore for offenders, reflecting the government's commitment to maintaining the integrity of competitive exams.

The postponement of the NEET-PG 2024 and the retest of NEET-UG candidates reflect the government's efforts to address allegations of malpractice and ensure the integrity of the medical entrance examinations.

However, the suddenness of these decisions has led to widespread dissatisfaction among students and medical professionals.

The ongoing investigations, upcoming reforms, and stringent legal measures will be crucial in restoring trust in the examination system and ensuring fair opportunities for all candidates.

The government's actions demonstrate a commitment to transparency and fairness, but the path to rebuilding trust will require continued vigilance and effective implementation of reforms.