Mark Inflation Allegations Rock NEET-UG 2024: NTA Forms Review Panel

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has formed a four-member panel to review allegations of mark inflation in the NEET-UG medical entrance exam. Amid political uproar, several parties have demanded a re-exam or probe into the issue. The NTA denies any irregularities and maintains the examination's integrity.

Amid allegations of inflated marks in the NEET-UG medical entrance exam, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced on Saturday that the education ministry has set up a four-member panel to review the grace marks awarded to over 1,500 candidates.

The NTA has denied any irregularities, attributing higher scores to changes in NCERT textbooks and compensatory grace marks for lost time at examination centers.

The controversy has sparked political reactions, with several parties questioning the exam's authenticity. The AAP has called for a Supreme Court-monitored SIT probe, while the Congress has accused the BJP of corruption and demanded an immediate re-examination.

The Maharashtra government has requested the exam's cancellation, alleging it has disadvantaged local students. Additionally, the ABVP has demanded a CBI inquiry into the matter.

In Kota, Rajasthan, NEET aspirants and their parents, led by Allen Career Institute's director Brijesh Maheshwari, staged a protest but refrained from marching after assurances from the district collector. They have demanded a re-conduct of the exam.

Widespread calls for a re-examination cite unfair competition due to grace marks awarded for time lost at specific centers, including those in Meghalaya, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Chandigarh.

After the NEET-UG results were announced on June 4, aspirants have flagged numerous issues, prompting demands for a re-test.

Sixty-seven candidates, including eight from the same center in Haryana, shared the top rank in an exam that saw over 24 lakh registrants.

To address the concerns, NTA Director General Subodh Kumar Singh confirmed the establishment of a high-powered committee, which will submit its findings within a week. The review’s results will not impact the exam's qualifying criteria or the admission process.

Experts suggest that mark inflation in NEET-UG 2024 will complicate medical school admissions. Some students have turned to online platforms to demand the cancellation of results and a re-exam.

The committee’s recommendations will decide whether a re-examination is necessary for affected students.

Singh denied any paper leak or exam irregularities while affirming the test's integrity.

Political leaders like Kerala’s Congress have criticized the exam's administration, calling for a high-level investigation.

Critics argue that the increased cutoff underscores the exam’s competitiveness and higher performance standards.

Singh explained that grace marks were awarded based on a Supreme Court-devised formula, ensuring fairness for candidates who lost exam time.

Earlier, the NTA debunked reports of a question paper leak, asserting all papers are accounted for and secure.