Controversy Mars NEET-UG 2023: Over 11,000 Candidates Score Zero or Negative Marks

More than 11,000 NEET-UG candidates scored zero or negative marks in the recent medical entrance exam, with the lowest score being -180. Analysis by the NTA shows major disparities in candidate performance across centers, raising concerns about exam integrity and prompting a Supreme Court hearing on alleged irregularities.

In a shocking revelation, more than 11,000 candidates of the NEET-UG medical entrance exam for 2023 have scored zero or negative marks, according to results released by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The lowest score recorded was -180 at a test center in Bihar.

Detailed analysis of city- and centre-wise results shows over 2,250 candidates achieving zero marks, while more than 9,400 candidates scored in the negative range. Several candidates from test centers in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh also scored less than zero, although no significant clusters of zero-mark scores were found.

Officials clarified that scoring zero does not mean the answer sheets were blank; it indicates a combination of correct and incorrect answers resulting in negative marking. Amid allegations of exam irregularities, including paper leaks, the NTA released the voluminous data for over 23 lakh candidates upon the Supreme Court's directive, which is examining the legitimacy of the conducted exam. The next court hearing is scheduled for July 22.

(With inputs from agencies.)