NEET UG 2024: From Allegations to Supreme Court Verdict - A Timeline of Controversy and Justice
This timeline provides a detailed account of the key events and responses from authorities, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address the issues and ensure the integrity of the NEET UG examination process.
This NEET UG 2024 Exam timeline provides a detailed account of the key events and responses from authorities, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address the issues and ensure the integrity of the examination process.
The NEET UG 2024 examination has been embroiled in controversy following allegations of paper leaks, irregularities, and time losses during the exam. Students, parents, and various stakeholders have voiced concerns, leading to court cases, protests, and demands for government intervention. This timeline provides a detailed account of the key events and responses from authorities, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address the issues and ensure the integrity of the examination process.
June 4, 2024: NEET UG Result Declared
The National Testing Agency (NTA) declares the NEET UG 2024 results on its official website. Students can download their scorecards using application numbers and passwords or dates of birth. The result link is activated at exams.nta.ac.in/NEET.
June 5, 2024: NTA Responds to Time Loss Representations
The NTA addresses representations and court cases about time loss during the NEET UG 2024 exam, held on May 5, 2024. Candidates had raised concerns about disruption leading to potential disadvantages. The NTA announces the implementation of a normalization formula, based on the Supreme Court's judgment from June 13, 2018, to provide grace marks to affected candidates, which could result in scores like 718 or 719.
June 6, 2024: NEET UG 2024 Results Controversy - Demands for Action
Allegations of paper leaks emerge, leading to demands for clarification from the NTA. Parents, students, and stakeholders question the legitimacy of the results. The announcement of NEET results shows 67 students scoring All India Rank 1, with around a dozen from the same exam center, and several students scoring 718 and 719 out of 720, causing widespread concern about the exam's integrity. Prominent voices urge the Prime Minister and Education Ministry for a fair re-conduct of the examination.
June 7, 2024: Protests Erupt Over Alleged Irregularities
Protests occur in Kanpur and other regions, with NEET aspirants and stakeholders questioning the results and demanding a fair investigation. The protesters chant slogans like "NTA तेरी तानाशाही नहीं चलेगी" ("NTA, your tyranny won't continue").
June 8, 2024: Courts Intervene in Results Controversy
Calcutta High Court: Demands responses from the NTA on alleged irregularities and questions the awarding of high marks.
Q: What is the total number of NEET 2024 exam centres?
The exact numbers of NEET 2024 exam centres was 4,750, for the original exam date of May 5, 2024. The NEET 2024 re-exam was conducted in seven exam centres located in five states across India. It is expected that the total number of the NEET exam centres in 2024 will be above 5,000. Last year, the total number of exam cities was 4,097. The number of exam cities in India has also increased this year.
Q: What is the date of NEET 2024?
NTA announced the NEET 2024 exam date on September 19, 2023. NEET 2024 exam was conducted on May 5. The result of NEET 2024 was declared on June 4, 2024. After the result declaration, several irregularities and anomalies were found in the result and the scoring system. Hence, NTA is reconducting NEET 2024 on June 23, 2024, for 1,563 candidates who were awarded grace marks. The result will be declared on June 30, 2024. The NEET 2024 counselling process for the 15 per cent All India Quota (AIQ) seats is likely to be conducted from July 6, 2024 onwards.
The NEET 2024 application process was conducted from February 9, 2024, to March 16, 2024. The last date of application was extended from March 9, by a week. The application and correction windows were reopened in April. While the NEET exam dates were scheduled in September and July a couple of years ago owing to the pandemic situation, it took a toll on the medical admission schedule. To bridge this gap, NTA conducted NEET in May last year. The trend is being continued for NEET 2024 as well.
Q: When was NEET 2024 conducted?
NEET 2024 was conducted on May 5, 2024, from 2 PM to 5.20 PM (IST). NTA conducted the exam in 571 cities across India and abroad. Around 20 lakh candidates appeared for the exam. The difficulty level of the exam was moderate to tough. NEET is a paper-pencil based test (PBT) consisting of a total of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Out of this, candidates had to attempt 180 questions. The total marks of the exam is 720.
Q: What is the timing of the NEET examination?
The duration of NEET exam is three hours and 20 minutes. The exam will commence at 2 PM and conclude at 5.20 PM as per the Indian Standard Time (IST). The timing for the international centres varied as per the local timings. NEET is a continuous test with no breaks allowed in between. Candidates needed to report to the exam centre at least one hour prior to the exam timing. Moreover, candidates were not be allowed to leave the exam hall before the stipulated duration as well.
Q: Will NEET 2024 be delayed?
NEET 2024 was conducted on May 5, 2024. NTA announced the exam date on September 19, approximately eight months in advance. NTA has decided the exam date after much deliberation and assessing situations such as Board exam schedule, other exams, etc. Over the past few years, NEET exam date was delayed owing to the pandemic situation, which affected the overall academic calendar. To bring back normalcy, NTA conducted NEET UG 2024 in May, similar to the pre-pandemic era after much brainstorming and assessing other entrance exam dates. Howrver, NEET 2024 will be reconducted on June 23, 2024, for 1,563 candidates who were given grace marks. The Supreme Court of India has asked NTA not to delay the admission process. Hence, NTA will release the result of the retest on June 30, 2024, and the counselling process will begin in July 2024.
Delhi High Court: Addresses petitions on grace marks.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Opposition: M.K. Stalin criticizes NEET, citing irregularities in the results on social media.
Medical Associations Demand Investigation: AIMSA and UDFA call for a CBI inquiry into the alleged paper leak and irregularities. AIMSA sends a detailed letter to the NTA Chairman, and UDFA issues statements to multiple high-ranking officials.
NTA's Announcement: NTA declares no re-examination for the 25 lakh students but forms a committee to investigate grace marks given to 1,563 candidates. They also set up a four-member committee to address time lapses at certain centers.
June 10, 2024: Petition Filed in Supreme Court
A petition challenges the NTA's decision to award grace marks, calling the compensatory marks arbitrary. The case will be further examined on June 12.
June 10, 2024: Political Leaders Demand Investigation
Political leaders, including Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi, demand an investigation into the alleged NEET scam. Gandhi criticizes the government for denying the possibility of a paper leak and assures students of advocating for their concerns in Parliament.
June 11, 2024: Supreme Court Issues Notice
The Supreme Court issues a notice to the NTA regarding a plea to cancel the NEET-UG 2024 exam due to alleged paper leaks. The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Ahasanuddin Amanullah, seeks clarity on the issue, emphasizing the need for answers.
June 13, 2024: Supreme Court Orders Re-Exam for Affected Students
The Supreme Court refuses to halt ongoing NEET-UG 2024 counseling but orders a re-exam for 1,563 students who received grace marks. The re-exam is scheduled for June 23, 2024, with results expected before June 30, 2024.
June 13, 2024: Education Minister Denies Corruption
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan denies allegations of corruption, asserting the exam's integrity despite controversies. He emphasizes the government's readiness to respond to the Supreme Court.
June 14, 2024: Supreme Court Defers Decision on CBI Probe
The Supreme Court defers the decision on a CBI probe into the alleged paper leaks and malpractices until July 8, 2024. The NTA's plea to transfer all NEET-related petitions to the Supreme Court is also issued.
June 15, 2024: New Petition Filed for Re-evaluation
A new petition calls for a complete re-evaluation of all OMR answer sheets, a re-ranking of candidates, and a court-monitored investigation into alleged irregularities. Eight candidates file this writ petition under Article 32.
June 17, 2024: Education Minister Admits Irregularities
Education Minister Pradhan acknowledges discrepancies in the NEET UG 2024 exam, promising reforms and accountability. He admits to irregularities at two exam centers and assures that the government is taking the issues seriously.
June 18, 2024: Supreme Court Defers Matter
The Supreme Court defers its decision on a CBI investigation, emphasizing the need for timely action from the NTA. Justice Vikram Nath highlights the importance of addressing any negligence thoroughly.
June 20, 2024: Detailed Report Sought from Bihar Police; No Re-Exam of NEET
Report from Bihar Police: The Education Ministry requests a detailed report from the Bihar Police's Economic Offences Unit regarding the NEET UG 2024 paper leak case. The government will take further action based on this report.
Confession of Accused: Anurag Yadav confesses to the paper leak, revealing details about the execution. Amit Anand, the alleged mastermind, also confesses, explaining the pricing and preparation strategy.
No Re-Exam Decision: Education Minister Pradhan announces no re-exam for NEET UG 2024, aiming to protect the interests of genuine candidates. A high-level committee will review the NTA's functioning to ensure transparency and prevent future errors.
June 21, 2024: Supreme Court to Hear Petition
The Supreme Court hears a petition seeking the cancellation of the NEET UG 2024 exam and a CBI investigation into the alleged paper leak. A vacation bench consisting of Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti will preside over the case, scheduled for July 8, 2024.
June 22, 2024: NTA Director General Placed on Compulsory Wait
The Ministry of Education has taken decisive action in response to the recent NEET UG 2024 paper leak controversy. Subodh Kumar Singh, Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA), has been placed on compulsory wait in the Department of Personnel & Training. This move comes amid growing concerns about the integrity and transparency of the examination process under his leadership.
July 04, 2024: Petition Filed Opposing Re-NEET
Fifty-six medical students from Gujarat have filed a petition in the Supreme Court opposing calls for a 'Re-NEET' and the cancellation of NEET-UG 2024 results. They demand that the current results be upheld, except for those who used unfair means. The students argue that re-conducting the NEET UG 2024 exam would be unfair to honest students and violate their fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21A.
July 06, 2024: NTA Confirms CBI Probe
In an affidavit to the Supreme Court, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has confirmed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing the alleged NEET paper leak incidents, which have led to several arrests. The CBI is also investigating whether there is an organized nexus behind the leaks. The NTA clarified that immediate steps were taken once the leaks were discovered, but scrapping the exam was deemed unfair to honest students. The Ministry of Education supported this stance, arguing against the rationality of canceling the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) (NEET UG) held on May 5 without evidence of a large-scale confidentiality breach. The Ministry's affidavit stressed that canceling the exam would jeopardize the rights of numerous students who took the exam without any misconduct. It underscored the need to balance competing interests in such examinations.
July 08, 2024: Supreme Court Orders Detailed Submissions
The Supreme Court of India, while hearing petitions regarding alleged malpractices in the NEET UG 2024 examination, has directed all petitioners' lawyers seeking a re-test to submit a consolidated set of submissions by Wednesday, July 10. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, presiding over the hearing, issued detailed instructions for the upcoming proceedings. The Chief Justice instructed that affidavits related to NEET 2024 from the National Testing Agency (NTA), the Union government, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) be placed on record by 5 pm on Wednesday and submitted to the counsel for the petitioners. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 11.
July 18, 2024: CBI Detains AIIMS Patna Doctors
In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has detained three doctors from AIIMS Patna in connection with the paper leak and irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 entrance examination. The doctors, from the 2021 batch, have been taken into custody for questioning. The CBI has also sealed their rooms and seized their laptops and mobile phones.
July 18, 2024: Supreme Court Directs NTA to Publish Results
The Supreme Court of India has directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to publish the results of the NEET UG 2024 examination on its website by noon on July 20, 2024. This order comes amidst ongoing hearings concerning allegations of a paper leak in the exam. In its order, the Supreme Court specified that the NTA must disclose the marks obtained by students without revealing their identities. The results are to be declared city and centerwise. The Court also directed that the material collected by the Bihar Police, including the investigation report from the Economic Offences Wing, be submitted to the Court by 5:00 p.m. on July 20, 2024. The next hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on July 22, 2024.
July 20, 2024: NEET UG 2024 Results Published
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has published the NEET UG 2024 results, revealing significant anomalies that have sparked calls for a thorough investigation. Following a Supreme Court directive, the results were released city-wise and centre-wise, aiming to ensure transparency amidst allegations of malpractice.
Top 5 States with Highest Number of Students Scoring 700+ in NEET UG 2024:
Rajasthan - 482
Maharashtra - 205
Kerala - 194
Uttar Pradesh - 184
Haryana - 146
July 22, 2024: Supreme Court Resumes Hearing
The Supreme Court Bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, resumed its hearing on the NEET UG 2024 case today, addressing serious allegations of a paper leak. The Chief Justice has ordered IIT Delhi to form a committee to investigate a contentious question in the exam. This case impacts nearly 24 lakh students who appeared for the NEET UG 2024 exam.
July 23, 2024: Supreme Court Rules Against Re-Exam
The Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, has ruled that there will be no re-exam for NEET UG 2024. The court found no evidence of systemic breaches in the exam, making its cancellation unjustified.
The court concluded that there was no substantial evidence to suggest that the exam results were compromised or that there was a systemic breach. Ordering a re-test would disrupt the admission schedule, impact medical education, and disadvantage marginalized groups benefiting from reservation policies. The Supreme Court ruled against a re-test, citing the absence of material evidence suggesting a widespread issue. NTA had conducted a special test for 1,563 candidates, offering them the choice of a re-test or grace marks. The principal concern was maintaining the exam’s integrity without disrupting the process.
Candidates with specific grievances, unrelated to the court’s judgment, can approach the High Courts under Article 226 after withdrawing their petitions from the Supreme Court. Additionally, a seven-member expert committee has been formed by the union to ensure that future NEET UG exams are conducted without similar issues.
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Abhay an alumnus of IIMC and Delhi University, has over a decade long experience of reporting on various beats of journalism. During his free time he prefers listening to music or play indoor and outdoor games.
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