On Sunday, the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted a retest for the NEET-UG exam for 1,563 students. These retests took place at six different centers located in four states and one Union Territory. Out of the 1,563 students, 813 attended the retest, while 750 were absent.
The reason for this retest was that the NTA had initially given extra marks, called grace marks, to students who experienced delays at the start of their exam at centers in Meghalaya, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Chandigarh. After deciding to take back these grace marks, the NTA organized the retest to ensure fairness.
In Chandigarh, two students were supposed to take the NEET-UG retest, but neither of them appeared at the exam center.
Over Half of NEET-UG Grace Mark Recipients Skip Re-Test
The National Testing Agency (NTA) reported that over 750 out of 1,563 candidates granted grace marks in NEET-UG chose to skip the re-test held on Sunday.
Approximately 813 candidates participated in the re-test, conducted at various centers in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, and Meghalaya.
In Chhattisgarh, 291 out of 602 eligible candidates attended the exam. In Haryana, 287 out of 494 candidates appeared, and in Meghalaya, 234 out of 464 attended. Notably, both eligible candidates in Chandigarh did not show up, and only one student appeared at the Gujarat center.
NEET-UG is an essential examination for students seeking admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses in both government and private institutions.
The re-test for the medical entrance exam was held after the National Testing Agency (NTA) revoked the grace marks initially given to students. These marks had been awarded to compensate for delays in the exam start time at six centers.
The decision came after concerns arose when six students achieved a perfect score of 720, along with 61 others who scored exceptionally high. This led to allegations of inflated marks.
Also Read: CSIR-UGC-NET Exam Postponed Due to Paper Leak Controversy
NEET UG Controversy
A major controversy has arisen over suspected irregularities in the NEET medical entrance exam.
The exam, conducted on May 5 at 4,750 centers, saw participation from around 24 lakh candidates. Although results were expected on June 14, they were released early on June 4, as answer sheet evaluations finished ahead of schedule.
An unprecedented 67 students scored a perfect 720, with six of them from a center in Faridabad, Haryana, sparking suspicions of misconduct.
Accusations of question paper leaks, especially in Bihar, and other irregularities have triggered protests in various cities and led to petitions in multiple high courts and the Supreme Court.
The Bihar Police have arrested 13 individuals, including the main suspect Sikandar Yadavendu, in connection with the paper leak.
In response, the Centre has removed NTA Director General Subodh Singh and assigned the investigation to the CBI. Additionally, the Union Education Ministry has set up a seven-member panel to review the NTA’s operations and suggest exam reforms.
Officials confirmed on Sunday that the CBI has filed an FIR concerning the alleged irregularities.
| Also Read: |
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| Supreme Court to NTA on NEET-UG 2024 Paper Leak Allegations |
| NTA Clarifies NEET Result Controversy Amid Toppers and High Cut-Off Debate |
| Anti Paper Leak Law, Jail Term and Fine Upto 1 Crore |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1. Why was the NEET-UG retest conducted?
Ans. The retest was held because the NTA decided to revoke grace marks initially given to students due to exam delays at certain centers.
Q.2. How many students attended the NEET-UG retest?
Ans. Out of 1,563 eligible students, 813 attended the retest held at various centers across four states and one Union Territory.
Q.3. What sparked the NEET-UG controversy?
Ans. The controversy began with allegations of question paper leaks and the unprecedented number of perfect scores, leading to suspicions of irregularities.
Q.4. What actions have been taken in response to the NEET-UG allegations?
Ans. The Centre removed the NTA Director General, assigned the investigation to the CBI, and the Union Education Ministry set up a panel to review NTA operations and suggest reforms.
Q.5. What is the significance of NEET-UG?
Ans. NEET-UG is a crucial exam for students seeking admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and related courses in both government and private institutions.
