Breaking: CBI ordered to investigate NEET exam scandal

New Delhi: Responding to the demands of various medical aspirants who called out the alleged irregularties in conduct of NEET exam and demanded a CBI inquiry into the matter, the Ministry of Education has now entrusted the matter of alleged irregularities in NEET (UG) Examination 2024 to CBI for the comprehensive investigation.

The confirmation to this has come late this evening in a government release post 11 pm that stated," National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted NEET(UG) Examination on 5th May 2024 in OMR (Pen and paper) mode. Certain cases of alleged irregularities / cheating / impersonation / malpractices have been reported,"

"For transparency on the conduct of the examination process, the Ministry of Education, Government of India a after a review has decided to entrust the matter to thea Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for comprehensive investigation. Central Government has also enacted the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to prevent unfair means in the public examinations and to provide for matter connected therewith or incidental thereto."

" Government is committed to ensure the sanctity of examinations and protect the interest of students. It is reiterated that any individual/ organization found to be a involved will face strictest action," the release added

The government however, did not specify any timelines for the completion of the investigation by the CBI

The move comes as the government also removed the NTA chief, Mr Subodh Singh from his post while also constitutinf a High-Level Committee of Experts under the chairmanship of Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, Former Chairman, ISRO and Chairman BoG, IIT Kanpur, to ensure transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations. Dr Randeep Guleria, Former AIIMS head will also be a part of the committee that will look into three aspects namely Reform in mechanism of examination process, improvement in Data Security protocols and structure and functioning of NTA.