The Supreme Court on 23rd July ruled that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2024 exam will not be canceled or re-conducted. The verdict came after weeks of hearing arguments regarding the alleged question paper leak.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, while delivering the verdict, acknowledges localized leaks in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, and Patna, Bihar. However, the court determined that there wasn’t enough evidence to suggest a widespread breach or that the exam’s integrity was compromised.
Moreover, the Supreme Court did acknowledge the disputed Physics question and directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to re-evaluate scores based on a clarified answer key.
The emphasis during the hearings was on the potential disruption to over 2 million students who took the exam. The court’s decision upholds the originally scheduled counseling and admission process.
Overall, the verdict upholds the integrity of the NEET-UG 2024 results, allowing medical school hopefuls to move forward with the next crucial step in the journey. While the localized leaks raise concerns about the exam’s sanctity, the court’s decision offers much-needed clarity and allows the admissions process to begin. Medical Colleges can now prepare for the arrival of the next-generation doctors.