There have been huge scandals that have hit India’s education system pertaining to National Testing Agency (NTA) which has culminated to the sacking of its acting Chief Dr. Subodh Kumar Singh by the Government.

The NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) as well as the NET (National Eligibility Test) examinations are highlighted particularly of being caught on accusations; these examinations have faced allegations of corrupted, leaked out question papers, compromised intgity leading to disqualification of examination results.

NEET-UG 2024 Controversy:

The NEET-UG 2024, held on May 5th, has been surrounded by a number of controversies. Once results were declared on June 4th, a record 67 students scored maximum points raising eyebrows over rigging and question paper leakages.

Investigators indicated that at least 1500 students lost time at six examination venues and were thus given extra grace marks to compensate for the time they spent. This grace marks significantly change the results of the students, and this marked difference led to a situation where many students either scored 718 or 719 out of 720 marks.

UGC-NET 2024 Paper Leak:

The UGC-NET exam paper scheduled for June 18, 2024, faced several challenges while tumults were still ongoing with NEET-UG. Just one day after conducting it with pen-and-paper method, the exam was cancelled.

This was due to Ministry of Education acted on intelligence information given by the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit part of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), suggesting potential compromise in the examination integrity.

This cancellation move further scrutinizes the compliance in pursuit of transparency among others things regarding NEET as well as other similar tests administered by NTA.

Political and Public Reactions:

Different quarters have reacted strongly to this. These include opposition leaders like Congress’ Priyanka Gandhi Vadra along with Chief of Samajwadi Party Akhilesh Yadav who criticized government for more than letting down these millions students; Priyanka Gandhi stressed the situation as to demolish the dreams of the young students and hence she emphasizes the need for a transparent and fair examination process.

Moreover she reiterated importance having an open system whenever one wants to assess himself/ herself through such processes without any bias or favoritism.

Supreme Court's Involvement:

The Supreme Court has expressed keen interest in the row surrounding NEET-UG exam. This was pronounced on 10th day of June by the court when it directed Centre and NTA to provide clarification on awarding of grace marks and ordered that these grace marks should be withdrawn; henceforth re-examinations date is fixed at June 23 as reported.

Even in such vital exams, the court once again stressed that there should be no place for errors no matter how insignificant. The court also emphasizes that authority takes responsibility for that and keeps their duty with complete transparency as well as honesty.

NTA Chief's Response and Sacking:

To the rising storm, NTA Chief Subodh Kumar Singh claimed there was no paper leakage, asserting that integrity of the examination had not been compromised. Conversely, pressure kept growing leading to his sacking by the Centre in spite of this defense. Afterward a powerful group was established to look into compensatory marks issue afresh thereby guaranteeing that such discrepancies do not happen anymore in future examination.

Impact on Students and Future Exams:

NEET-UG and UGS-NET controversies have had an enormous effect on students across the country. The NEET UG exam was attended by over 23 lakhs candidates while UGC NET had 11lakhs registrants. The cancellations and re-schedules have completely thrown them off balance about their academic journeys causing fear and anxiety among them. The UGC NET fresh examination is forthcoming for which dates will be announced sooner.

Moving Forward:

Dismissing the NTA chief is a turning point for NTA as well as our country’s education system. Measures taken by government, shows it has no room for any form of examination malpractices such as leaking questions so that students plus teachers do trust exams one more time. As the NTA undergoes reforms, it must come up with tight resolutions and execute them to prevent future controversies and maintain the standards of .integrity of examination.

Conclusion:

According to what has just taken place in connection with NEET-UG and UGC-NET exams, India’s examination system has some severe problems. The government has taken these discrepancies of examination very seriously which leads to the removing of NTA chief. This sacking of NTA chief, gives a clear notice to the public that government has initiated zero tolerance policy and also indicates that it gradually rebuilding the trust once again for the public; but the road to rebuilding trust will require sustained efforts and comprehensive reforms.

🔴 NTA Exam Mess: Exam body chief Subodh Kumar Singh sacked by the government amid NEET-NET row; retired IAS officer Pradeep Singh Kharola is the new chief@NikunjGargN reports pic.twitter.com/s7HFHYrtcK
— NDTV (@ndtv) June 22, 2024