UGC NET Exams | Amid NEET Fiasco, UGC-NET Cancelled After “Exam Integrity Compromised
Over 9 lakh candidates took the UGC-NET exam on Tuesday, but the Ministry of Education has now cancelled it, citing potential integrity issues. This cancellation comes as the NEET controversy continues to escalate, casting a shadow over the integrity of national examinations.
UGC-NET Exam Cancellation
The UGC-NET exam, organized by the National Testing Agency, was held to determine eligibility for Assistant Professor posts and junior research fellowships. However, just a day after the exam, the Ministry of Education announced its cancellation. The Ministry emphasized its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of transparency and examination integrity.
“On June 19, 2024, the University Grants Commission (UGC) received inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the examination. These inputs suggest that the integrity of the exam may have been compromised,” the Ministry stated.
The decision to cancel the exam has prompted immediate reactions, including from Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who criticized the government for its perceived laxity and called for accountability.
Investigation and Rescheduling
The Ministry has handed the investigation over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Despite reports of a paper leak, the Ministry has not confirmed these claims. The exam, originally conducted in OMR (pen and paper) mode in two shifts across the country, will be rescheduled, with new dates to be announced later.
UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar had earlier praised the smooth conduct of the exam. “The examination was conducted at 1,205 exam centers in 317 cities across the country for 11,21,225 candidates. About 81% of registered candidates appeared for the exam,” Kumar noted.
NEET Controversy
The UGC-NET cancellation adds to the ongoing controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2024 exam. Nearly 24 lakh students appeared for the NEET-UG for undergraduate medical courses on May 5. However, allegations of a question paper leak and the awarding of grace marks to over 1,500 students have sparked protests and legal actions.
The Supreme Court has demanded a response from the NTA regarding these allegations. The Ministry of Education has stated that the issue of grace marks has been addressed and a detailed report on alleged irregularities in Patna has been sought from the Economic Offences Unit of the Bihar Police.
“The government is committed to ensuring the sanctity of examinations and protecting the interests of students. Any individual or organization found to be involved in malpractice will face the strictest action,” the Ministry assured.
Looking Ahead
Both the UGC-NET and NEET controversies underscore the challenges of maintaining the integrity of high-stakes national exams. The Ministry’s swift action to cancel the UGC-NET and the involvement of the CBI in the investigation reflect a commitment to transparency and accountability. As the government addresses these issues, the focus remains on safeguarding the future of millions of students relying on these exams for their academic and professional aspirations.
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