Dixit Patel and the NEET-UG Exam Cheating Scandal in Godhra

Historical Context: The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) is a highly competitive examination in India, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for students aspiring to enter medical and dental colleges. Given the high stakes, instances of cheating and irregularities have been reported over the years, leading to stringent measures and investigations by authorities.

News Report: On June 30, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Dixit Patel, chairman of Jay Jalaram Trust, which operates Jay Jalaram School near Godhra, Gujarat, in connection with irregularities in the NEET-UG exam conducted by the NTA. The arrest followed an investigation into cheating practices during the exam held on May 5.

Before the CBI took over the investigation on June 23, Gujarat police had already arrested five individuals: Tushar Bhatt, a physics teacher; Purushottam Sharma, principal of Jay Jalaram School; Parshuram Roy of Roy Overseas, an education consultancy firm; Vibhor Anand, who introduced students to Roy; and Arif Vora, Bhatt’s accomplice.

An FIR filed on May 8 revealed that the accused instructed students to leave blank answers for questions they did not know. The accused, who charged between ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh per candidate, planned to fill in the correct answers after the exams. This scheme involved exploiting a 30-45 minute window before the exam papers were collected. Coaching centers often post answers online shortly after exams, which the accused intended to use to mark the correct answers for the students who paid them.

Dixit Patel, who runs two schools in Gujarat, was implicated despite his advocate’s claims that he was not present during the exam and was not directly involved. The NTA had chosen Jay Jalaram School as an exam center due to its infrastructure. However, Bhatt, one of the main accused, was not an employee of the school but was selected by the NTA.

Senior Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil questioned the NTA’s decision to choose Jay Jalaram School, citing past irregularities such as admitting more students than permitted and charging excessive fees. Dr. Sujaat Vali, a local gynecologist and social activist, noted that while the school had good infrastructure, Patel had been involved in paper leaks to attract students.

Patel, who has political connections and aspirations, was found to have eight blank cheques and cheques worth ₹2.30 crore at the residence of Parshuram Roy. These cheques belonged to parents whose children appeared for the NEET-UG exam at Jay Jalaram School. Some parents had previously paid Roy for overseas admissions, which did not materialize, leading Roy to promise NEET-UG scores and admissions in Indian medical colleges.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Event: Dixit Patel arrested by CBI for NEET-UG exam irregularities.
• Date: Arrest on June 30; NEET-UG exam held on May 5.
• Accused: Five individuals arrested by Gujarat police before CBI took over.
• Scheme: Students instructed to leave blank answers; accused planned to fill in correct answers post-exam.
• Payment: Accused charged ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh per candidate.
• Execution: Planned to exploit a 30-45 minute window before exam papers were collected.
• School: Jay Jalaram School chosen by NTA for its infrastructure.
• Past Irregularities: School admitted more students than permitted and charged excessive fees.
• Political Connections: Patel has political aspirations and connections.
• Evidence: Cheques worth ₹2.30 crore found at Parshuram Roy’s residence.
• Parent Involvement: Parents paid for overseas admissions, later promised NEET-UG scores and Indian college admissions.