NEET UG 2024 Controversy: Explained with FAQ.

What is NEET UG?

The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) Undergraduate (UG) is a competitive examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to medical, dental, and AYUSH courses in government and private colleges across India.

Why is NEET UG 2024 controversial?

Several issues have contributed to the controversy surrounding NEET UG 2024:

Extraordinary Number of Perfect Scores: An unusually high number of candidates (67) achieved a perfect score of 720/720.
Disputed Scores of 718 and 719: Some candidates scored 718 or 719, which were claimed to be impossible under the exam scheme.
Allegations of Paper Leak: There were allegations that the question paper was leaked.
Compensatory Marks: Some candidates received compensatory marks due to lost time during the exam.
Grace Marks for Erroneous Questions: Grace marks were awarded to candidates who answered a disputed physics question based on outdated textbook information.
Early Declaration of Results: The results were published 10 days ahead of the scheduled date.
High Cutoff Scores: The cutoff scores were unusually high this year.

What led to the large number of perfect scores?

According to the NTA, several factors contributed:

Increased Number of Candidates: Approximately 2.4 million candidates appeared for the exam, almost 300,000 more than the previous year.
Easier Exam: The 2024 NEET exam was reportedly easier compared to previous years.
Grace Marks: Grace marks were given to candidates who answered a disputed physics question based on information in an older version of the NCERT textbook.

Why were there scores of 718 and 719?

Some candidates received compensatory marks due to technical issues at certain exam centers, where students lost time. A Grievance Redressal Committee determined the extent of time lost and awarded marks based on a formula established by a Supreme Court judgment.

Were there any allegations of a paper leak?

Yes, there were allegations that the question paper was leaked in Patna. However, the Economic Offences Unit of Bihar Police has not confirmed a paper leak after their investigation. The NTA has categorically denied any paper leak but acknowledged issues with impersonators and provided support to ongoing investigations.

What is the issue with the physics question and grace marks?

A provisional answer key released by NTA had a disputed physics question. The correct answer in the key was based on an older version of the NCERT textbook, leading to grace marks being awarded to 44 of the 67 top scorers who answered the question incorrectly according to the newer textbook.

Why were the results declared early?

The results were declared 10 days ahead of the scheduled date due to the completion of necessary checks in the result processing. The NTA stated that it is their practice to declare results at the earliest possible time after the answer key challenge period.

Why are the cutoff scores so high this year?

The NTA attributed the high cutoff scores to:

Increased Number of Candidates: More students appeared for the exam.
Higher Performance Standards: Candidates generally performed better this year compared to previous years.

What actions have been taken in response to the controversy?

Legal Petitions: At least two petitions have been filed in High Courts, and a petition was filed in the Supreme Court to re-conduct the examination.
NTA Press Release: The NTA issued a press release to address concerns and clarify the reasons behind the disputed scores and compensatory marks.

How many seats are available for NEET UG 2024?

According to the latest data, there are a total of 1,08,940 MBBS seats in more than 700 medical colleges across India.

What measures are being taken to prevent future issues?

The NTA has stated that they are extending support to investigations against impersonators and taking steps to ensure the integrity of the examination process. Additionally, they emphasize the use of NCERT textbooks for preparation to avoid discrepancies.