NEET-UG Controversy Escalates, Reaches Amit Shah Amidst Opposition Pressure

The ongoing dispute over NEET-UG has intensified, with the Congress planning nationwide protests on June 21. The issue reached a critical point as Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a meeting with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Health Minister J P Nadda. The meeting, also attended by a representative from the Prime Minister’s Office, addressed allegations of irregularities and a paper leak.

During the meeting at Shah’s residence, which lasted over an hour, stakeholders including the National Testing Agency (NTA) were heard. Shah was briefed on all FIRs filed concerning the NEET-UG exam, particularly in Bihar. Bihar has formed a special investigation team (SIT) from its economic offences unit to probe the paper leak allegations. Additionally, two exam centers in Godhra, Gujarat, are under investigation for manipulating OMR sheets. The Panchmahal district police have arrested five people in Godhra for alleged malpractices.

The Bihar SIT’s probe suggests a paper leak, with 13 arrests, including four candidates, three parents, and gang members who allegedly facilitated a mock exam with leaked questions. The ministry emphasized its commitment to maintaining exam integrity and promised strict action against those involved.

The Home Minister was also informed about the NTA’s analysis of results from Patna and Godhra centers. The analysis revealed no unusual advantages for candidates under suspicion. The NTA addressed issues related to grace marks and requested a detailed report on the alleged irregularities from the Bihar Police's Economic Offences Unit.

Out of 13 candidates from Patna under investigation, eight scored below 500 marks out of 720. Similarly, almost 98% of students from two Godhra centers scored less than 500. A score of 650-plus is typically required for a seat in a government medical college under the all-India quota.

On the same day as the Congress' call for protests, Pradhan reiterated that no evidence of a paper leak was found. He acknowledged anomalies and stated that a committee of academicians had provided recommendations to the government, which are being considered seriously.

The NEET-UG results announced on June 4 garnered attention due to 67 candidates achieving perfect scores. The NTA attributed this to factors such as an easier paper and additional marks awarded due to exam disruptions and an incorrect question.