NTA reveals NEET-UG re-test: 750 out of 1,563 students absent

The National Testing Agency (NTA) reported that 750 out of 1,563 candidates who were awarded grace marks in NEET-UG skipped the re-test on Sunday. About 813 candidates appeared for the re-test across centers in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, and Meghalaya.

In Chhattisgarh, 291 out of 602 eligible candidates appeared for the exam, 287 out of 494 in Haryana, and 234 out of 464 in Meghalaya. In Chandigarh, both eligible candidates did not attend, and only one student appeared at the center in Gujarat.

NEET-UG is an entrance exam for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses in government and private institutions.

Reason for the re-test

The re-test was conducted after the NTA withdrew the grace marks given to students who were compensated for a delayed start of the exam at six centers. This led to concerns over score inflation, as six students scored a perfect 720 marks, along with 61 others.

The original exam was held on May 5 across 4,750 centers with around 24 lakh candidates. The results were declared earlier than expected, on June 4. The unprecedented number of perfect scores, including six from a center in Faridabad, Haryana, raised suspicions of irregularities.

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Allegations and investigations

There have been allegations of question paper leaks and other irregularities in states like Bihar, leading to protests and legal petitions. The Bihar Police arrested 13 people, including prime suspect Sikandar Yadavendu, for their involvement in the alleged paper leak.

In response, the Centre removed NTA Director General Subodh Singh and assigned the investigation to the CBI. A seven-member panel was also established to review the NTA's functioning and suggest exam reforms. The CBI has filed an FIR regarding the alleged irregularities, officials confirmed.

These measures aim to address the concerns and ensure the integrity of the NEET-UG exam. The controversy continues as authorities work to resolve the issues and maintain trust in the examination process.

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