NEET-UG Paper Leak Row: SC asks CBI to file status report

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday took up a batch of pleas regarding irregularities and paper leak in connection with NEET-UG 2024, and directed the

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the National Testing Agency (NTA) as well as the Centre to provide details on various aspects of the case by July 10.

The matter will come up for hearing again on July 11.

The apex court was hearing over 30 petitions concerning the medical entrance examination NEET-UG. These petitions include allegations of irregularities and malpractices during the May 5 test, with some seeking a directive to re-conduct the examination.

The top court observed that if the integrity of the NEET-UG 2024 medical entrance exam has been compromised and the question paper leak has been disseminated through social media platforms, a re-examination must be conducted.

The top court Bench, headed by CJI Chandrachud, stated that it will have to be scrutinised whether:

•  The alleged breach has taken place at a systemic level.
•  The breach has affected the integrity of the entire exam process.
•  It is possible to segregate the beneficiaries of the fraud from the untainted students.

The law on whether a retest should be ordered in such a situation is based on fairly settled parameters, the SC said. If the breach of sanctity affects the entirety of the exam and segregation is not possible, then a retest may be needed, the court said. However, if the beneficiaries can be identified, a retest involving such a large scale of students may not be necessary, the CJI said.

The Supreme Court has directed NTA to make a full disclosure on the following aspects:

•  The nature of the leak
•  The places where the leak took place
•  The time lag between the occurrence of the leak and the conduct of the exam

The SC also directed NTA to determine whether it would be feasible using data analytics to identify suspect cases and asked it to file an affidavit which must include:

Steps taken by the NTA to identify centres/cities where leak took place

•  Modalities followed for identification
•  Number of students who have so far been identified to be beneficiaries

Meanwhile, the court has asked the CBI to file a status report on the investigation, including the material that has come to light.

Both the NEET-UG and UGC-NET matters are currently under investigation by the CBI.

The court also expressed concern about ensuring the sanctity of the NEET test and has directed the government to consider setting up a multi-disciplinary team of renowned experts to recommend measures to obviate any further breach in the NEET exam.

The NEET-UG exam was marred by accusations of malpractice, including alleged paper leaks and dubious marking methods, which triggered widespread anger and demonstrations nationwide.

As a result, certain students were directed to retake the NEET UG exam, and the NEET-PG exam was postponed. The court has directed the NTA, the Union, and the CBI to file their respective affidavits by Wednesday evening, and the matter has been listed for further hearing on July 11.