CBI files FIR in connection with alleged irregularities in NEET-UG exam

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday (June 23) registered an FIR in connection with alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination which was held on May 5, saidofficials.

The significant development comes a day after the federal probe agency took over the investigation into the matter.

The Centre released a statement saying,"National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the NEET(UG) Examination on May 5, 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, after a review has decided to entrust the matter to the 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 public examinations and to provide for matter connected therewith or incidental thereto."

"The government is committed to ensuring the sanctity of examinations and protect the interest of students. It is reiterated that any individual/ organization found to be involved will face strictest action," it added.

According to the officials, the CBI filed a fresh case against unidentified persons on thereference from the Union education ministry.

They stated that the ministry had to acquiesce to the appeals made by the students who were staging demonstrations across the country demanding a probe into the alleged discrepancies in the medical entrance examination.

"Certain cases of alleged irregularities, cheating, impersonation and malpractice have been reported in NEET-UG which was conducted on May 5," a senior education ministry official said.

"For transparency in the conduct of the examination process, it was decided after a review that the matter be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive investigation," the official added.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) found itself in hot waters after students alleged irregularities in the medical entrance examination. This triggered several protests in the country where students demanded to disband the NTA.

The unexpected results of the exam showed 67 candidates achieving a score of 720 marks which raised concerns among students.

The Ministry of Education said that it formed a high-level committee comprising experts who will suggest recommendations in the examination process to ensure smooth functioning and data security protocols.

The 7-member committee, helmed by ISRO former chairman Dr K. Radhakrishnan, is slated to submit its report to the ministry in two months.

"In order to ensure transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations through the National Testing Agency (NTA), the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education constituted a High-Level Committee of Experts to make recommendations on reform in the mechanism of examination process improvement in data security protocols and the structure and functioning of National Testing Agency," the ministry said.

(With inputs from agencies)