NEET 2024 results controversy: Chandigarh students concerned over losing GMCH-32 seats

A controversy has erupted over the NEET-UG 2024 exam after students alleged a paper leak and irregularities in the awarding of grace marks. This has led to an unusual increase in perfect scores, with 67 candidates, including six from a single center in Haryana, achieving a perfect 720 out of 720. This is a significant jump from the usual three to four students. The inflation of marks is causing concern among students, particularly those from Chandigarh, who fear they might lose seats at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32.

Supreme Court involvement and student concerns

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court demanded answers from the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the central government about the allegations. Students are hoping for a thorough investigation into the paper leak and other irregularities. Om Vats, a student from Chandigarh, scored 715 out of 720 marks and expected a top rank. However, his rank dropped to 192, compared to last year's 19th rank for the same score. He worries about securing a seat at AIIMS, New Delhi, given the limited number of general category seats.

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At GMCH, Sector 32, the cutoff for the general category last year was 598 marks. This year, even students scoring 650 marks are ranked around 30,000. Riya, an 18-year-old student who scored 603 marks, expected a rank of around 29,000 but ended up at 77,000. She expressed her disappointment and the need for an investigation into the discrepancies.

Impact on students' future plans

Saumya Gupta, another 18-year-old student from Chandigarh, scored 621 marks but was ranked 57,000 due to the irregularities. She was hoping to get into GMCH based on last year's cutoffs but now is considering private colleges. Similarly, Doha Lakhanpal, also 18, finds herself uncertain about her future plans after her rank dropped significantly. 

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Arvind Goyal, a NEET trainer with 23 years of experience, highlighted concerns about the exam process. He pointed out that even students with perfect scores are struggling to get into their desired colleges, indicating a decline in exam standards. Goyal called for a critical review of how the exam is conducted to address these issues.

Overall, students and educators are demanding a thorough investigation and hoping for justice from the Supreme Court to address these serious concerns.