In a turn of events that has sparked widespread debate and speculation, the results of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2024, one of the country’s most prestigious competitive exams, have come under scrutiny. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the examination’s results were announced on June 4, a full ten days ahead of the previously scheduled date of June 14. Coincidentally, this early declaration came on the same day as the Lok Sabha election results, raising eyebrows and leading to questions about the timing and transparency of the announcement.
The NEET-UG exam took place on May 5, with more than 24 lakh students filling out the application forms. The results, which were anticipated by countless aspirants, also marked an unprecedented achievement: for the first time in the history of NEET, 67 students attained a perfect score of 720 out of 720. This unusual outcome has escalated the cut-off marks to an all-time high of 164, up from the previous year’s cut-off of 137.
The high scores and early results have not come without controversy. Despite the results being publicly available, allegations of fraud and manipulation have surfaced. A significant point of contention is a specific roll number series, spanning from serial number 62 to 79, which has raised suspicions. All students within this range, who all happen to be from the same exam center, have achieved extraordinarily high scores, with six scoring a perfect 720 and two others close behind with 719 and 718 marks.
These abnormalities have prompted intense online trolling and skepticism. Social media users and critics have questioned whether an entire exam center could have been managed to produce such results. The exam venue in question is Hardayal Public School in Jhajjar, Haryana. The lack of surnames in the names of these high-scoring students has only fueled further speculation about the legitimacy of these results.
Furthermore, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has faced questions regarding the grading policy. According to experts, the NEET exam’s scoring system includes negative marking for incorrect answers. Thus, after answering all questions correctly, a student should obtain 720 marks. If they skip a question, they would receive 716 marks, while an incorrect response would reduce their score to 715. The appearance of scores such as 718 and 719 among the students has been another source of controversy and confusion.
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In response to the confusion, the NTA released a notice explaining that some students had experienced time-loss issues during the exam. Consequently, these students were awarded grace marks, which accounted for the irregular scores of 718 and 719. However, this explanation has not quelled all concerns. Experts and students alike are questioning the criteria for awarding these grace marks, especially since there is no established rule for such allowances in NEET.
Adding another layer to the debate is the issue of bonus marks. During the exam, a particular question had discrepancies between the old and new NCERT books. Initially, Option A was deemed correct in the official answer key, leading to objections from over ten thousand students. Upon investigation, both possible answers were acknowledged as correct, and all those who selected either answer were awarded bonus marks. As a result, 44 students ascended to top ranks due to these bonus marks.
The outcome was a record-setting 67 students achieving a perfect 720 out of 720, stirring discussions about the exam’s integrity and fairness. The controversy has cast a shadow over what should have been a momentous achievement for these students, raising questions about the processes and transparency of the NTA.
The National Testing Agency, tasked with maintaining the credibility of one of India’s toughest exams, now finds itself under a microscope. Parents, educators, and students are all demanding clearer explanations and, potentially, a re-evaluation of the controversial results.
As the situation unfolds, it emphasizes the critical need for transparency and rigorous oversight in competitive examinations. Trust in the country’s educational assessment system hangs in the balance, with many calling for immediate action to address the raised concerns. Meanwhile, the controversy continues to gain traction, drawing national attention to the integrity of one of India’s premier academic examinations.
Stay tuned as we follow this developing story, providing updates and expert opinions on what steps will be taken next. In an era where educational integrity is paramount, this controversy serves as a vital reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in all educational endeavors.
