NTA once again denies any paper leak on NEET

New Delhi: Once again denying any paper leak during the NEET 2024 exam, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a clarification in response to the widespread uproar by candidates alleging irregularities in NEET conduct.

Medical Dialogues has been extensively reporting on the controversy surrounding NEET 2024 conduct and its results. Shortly after the declaration of the results, candidates across the country alleged irregularities in NEET 2024 including 'arbitrary awarding of grace marks' and demands for re-NEET and re-result ensued.

In response, the National Testing Agency has recently issued a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on its NEET website giving point-by-point clarification on various concerns raised by several aspirants, their parents and stakeholders.

On the matter of paper leak whether "Is it true that there has been a paper leak in Bihar or Godhra?", the NTA referred to its earlier press release which it issued after conducting NEET on May 5th 2024 and denied any paper-leak claims. The Agency has stated:

"It is to be noted that none of the reports are backed with evidence that may indicate a paper leak. These cases seem to be related to cheating/impersonation and not to paper leaks. While the outcome of the investigation in aforesaid cases is awaited, NTA has categorically denied any case of paper leak. (Ref- Press Release dated 05.05.2024 and 06.05.2024)

Further, NTA has its own Security Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures, it has been found that all Question Papers which have been printed have been accounted for, and there is no question of Paper Leak.

NTA has recently received communication from Patna Police regarding the requirement of documents concerning certain candidates. All relevant information and documents have been proactively provided to them. NTA remains committed to fully supporting and assisting all investigations and law enforcement agencies involved in this matter."

Further on the question "What happened at a Centre at Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan?", the agency has clarified:

"At one of the Examination Centres, i.e. Girl’s Higher Secondary Model School, Mandir, Mantown, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, there was an incident of incorrect distribution of Question Papers (QPs). It was found that the Centre Superintendent had mistakenly distributed QPs intended for Hindi medium candidates to those taking the English medium exam, and vice versa. This led to agitation by some candidates, who left the examination center with question papers, despite efforts by the Centre Staff to prevent them from doing the same.

It was also found that copies of this Question Paper were circulated on social media at around 4.25 P.M., creating an impression that QP was leaked before the commencement of the examination. It is to emphasize that, even though the QP was taken out by some students and circulated on the Internet, there is no way any external person/agency could access the centres, once the examination started. Moreover, all Centres were under CCTV surveillance.

The examination of affected candidates of the aforementioned Centre at Sawai Madhopur was conducted on the same day, i.e. 05 May 2024 with the correct medium Question Paper, ensuring that their academic aspirations were not hindered by this incident."

In its earlier clarification, the NTA mentioned that it had allowed 120 candidates to reappear for the exam after question papers were distributed incorrectly at an exam centre in Rajasthan after several social media posts started claiming that the NEET 2024 question paper was leaked. 

“To uphold the principles of fairness and equal opportunity for all candidates, the NTA has taken proactive measures. The examination of approximately 120 affected candidates from the Girls Higher Secondary Model School examination centre is being conducted today, 5 May 2024, ensuring that their academic aspirations are not hindered by this incident”, the notice read.

Matter pending before Supreme Court:

Multiple petitions have been filed with the Supreme Court alleging irregularities in NEET 2024 conduct this year including the 'arbitrary' awarding of grace marks. While yesterday, the Supreme Court of India was hearing a batch of petitions seeking cancellation of the NEET 2024 over an alleged paper leak and other irregularities this year, similar petitions are also pending in different High Courts including Delhi and Calcutta High Court.

The apex court  issued a notice to the NTA seeking its response on the matter saying "Sanctity has been affected, so we need answers." 

NEET UG 2024 Results and Alleged Irregularities:

This year's NEET results were a huge shocker since as many as 67 candidates got the All India Rank 1 in the MBBS entrance exam. Soon after the reports of a large number of students securing full marks i.e. 720 marks in the exam came to light, the allegations of the NEET paper leak scam started circulating on social media platforms.

Backlash from Candidates:

Meanwhile, candidates from different states have been protesting, from the streets as well as on social media, against the alleged irregularities in NEET and demanding action from the authorities.