With the ongoing scandal surrounding the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) 2024, Bihar police have verified that arrested individuals, including students, confessed to getting leaked exam papers. This disclosure has heightened public concern about the examination procedure for undergraduate medical and dental admissions.
Four people have been arrested in connection with the NEET paper leak. Among them are three NEET 2024 exam takers and an engineer from Danapur Municipal Council. These individuals acknowledged to the police that they obtained the leaked question paper the day before the exam and were given the same paper on exam day.
Not only the NEET papers
Sikandar Prasad Yadavendu, an engineer among those arrested, revealed surprising revelations in his confession letter. He acknowledged his involvement in a scam that not only distributes NEET question papers but also releases papers for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams. This broader interpretation of the racket reveals a larger problem within the examination system.
Bihar police have found six post-dated checks suspected of being used to obtain leaked NEET papers. These checks show that each contestant paid almost Rs 30 lakh to the racket for the leaked question papers. This discovery indicates a well-organised and financially driven business targeting desperate aspirants.
Despite police confessions and evidence, the National Testing Agency (NTA) and central authorities have denied there was a paper leak. In reaction to the controversy, the NTA has revoked the grace marks given to over 1,500 students. The results of the NEET 2024, which were taken by approximately 24 lakh students on May 5, were released on June 4.
What Happened Earlier?
The results of NEET-UG 2024, which were taken by approximately 24 lakh students on May 5, were revealed on June 4, 10 days ahead of schedule. This early release coincided with the announcement of Lok Sabha election results, which raised suspicions. The controversy is fueled by the following key points:
Perfect Scores: Sixty-seven students received perfect 720 scores.
Improbable Scores: Several students received 718 and 719 marks, which is deemed implausible under the NEET marking scheme.
Same Centre Toppers: Many of the top scorers came from the same exam centre.
The NEET results scandal caused a political backlash. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi chastised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that the alleged discrepancies have devastated nearly 24 lakh students. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asked for an investigation, citing instances of student suicides following the results. Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress president, has urged a Supreme Court-monitored investigation.
Maharashtra Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif alleged the results were manipulated to disadvantage Maharashtra students. MK Stalin, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, restated his opposition to the NEET exam, citing the incident as evidence against exam centralization. Kerala’s Leader of Opposition, V. D. Satheesan, sought a thorough investigation, citing the extraordinary number of ideal scores and the early disclosure of results.
The admissions controversy has prompted considerable resentment among students and parents, raising questions about the fairness and reliability of the NEET exam process. Demands for a thorough inquiry and tighter steps to prevent similar incidents in the future are growing louder.
