NEET-UG row: SC raps NTA, Centre, demands probe into alleged irregularities

The Supreme Court slammed the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Central government on Tuesday (June 18) during a hearing on alleged irregularities in NEET-UG 2024.

The judges demanded a detailed investigation into the reported paper leaks and malpractices and emphasised zero tolerance for any negligence.

“If there is 0.001% negligence on the part of anyone it should be thoroughly dealt with,” the Supreme Court bench said.

The top court said that we cannot overlook the efforts of the children who have prepared for the exams.

"Just imagine a doctor treating who has passed like this and needs to be checked," the top court said.

The Supreme Court told the Centre and the NTA to approach challenges regarding NEET-UG as opportunities for improvement, not hostile legal battles. The judges further emphasised the importance of acknowledging and rectifying any errors made during the exam's administration.

The top court further told the NTA, "You are conducting the examination and you must act fair. If there is a mistake, say yes, this is a mistake, and this is the action we are going to take. At least that motivates confidence in your performance."

The Supreme Court is hearing a batch of petitionswhich allegepaper leaks, awarding grace marks and a significant increase in high scorers.

Notably, on June 14, the top court issued notices to the Centre and the NTA on a plea requesting for CBI investigation into the accusation of paper leak.

The Supreme Court's notice came after the Centre informed them about cancelling the scorecards of 1,563 NEET-UG 2024 candidates who received grace marks.

The Centre also told the Supreme Court that the affected students will soon be notified of their amended scores, which will exclude grace marks that were previously awarded.

The matter will be heard next on July 8.

(With inputs from agencies)