NEET-NET Row: Ex-ISRO Chief To Lead High-Level Panel To Ensure Fair Conduct Of NEET And NET Exams

Under scrutiny for the UGC NET cancellation and criticism over the alleged NEET UG 2024 paper leak, the Ministry of Education announced on Saturday the formation of a high-level committee of experts. This committee, headed by former ISRO chairman Dr. K Radhakrishnan, aims to ensure the transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of examinations.

The committee will provide recommendations on reforms in the examination process, improvements in data security protocols, and the structure and functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The committee is expected to submit its report to the Education Ministry within two months.

Following allegations of paper leaks in the NEET and UGC-NET exams, the CSIR-UGC NET exam is now facing similar claims.

This development comes a day after the Centre introduced a stringent law on Friday aimed at curbing malpractices and irregularities in competitive examinations.

The law, which took effect on Friday night (June 21), includes provisions for a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore for offenders.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 (1 of 2024), the Central Government hereby appoints the 21st day of June, 2024, as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force,” reads the notification by the Personnel Ministry.

The Act also includes provisions for a minimum of three to five years of imprisonment to curb cheating. Those involved in organized cheating crimes will face five to 10 years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.

This move is significant amid the controversy over the cancellation of the 2024 University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET), following initial indications that the exam’s integrity may have been compromised. The exam was cancelled a day after over 9 lakh candidates took it across 317 cities.

This UGC-NET exam cancellation marks the first instance of a centrally-conducted public examination being scrapped after the introduction of the new anti-paper leak law.

Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against unknown individuals for “compromising the integrity” of the UGC-NET exam conducted on June 18.