UGC-NET, Cancelled a Day After Being Held, Rescheduled for Aug 21-Sept 4: NTA

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced new dates for the UGC-NET exam, which was previously cancelled and postponed due to alleged irregularities. The exam will now take place from August 21 to September 4.

The UGC-NET, initially conducted on June 18, was cancelled the following day after the education ministry received information suggesting that the exam’s integrity had been compromised. According to CBI sources, the UGC-NET paper was leaked 48 hours before the exam and sold on the dark web for ₹6 lakh.

CBI sources informed NDTV that coaching centres, where many students prepare for exams like NET, NEET, and civil service entrance tests, are also being investigated.

Reports indicate that the UGC-NET will now be computer-based. The June 2024 session of the UGC NET was conducted in an offline, pen-and-paper format. The upcoming exam will be held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.

The NTA has also announced that the Joint CSIR-UGC NET, which was postponed, will now be held from July 25-27. Additionally, the NCET (National Common Entrance Test) 2024 exams will take place on July 10, as per the new schedule.

The All India Ayush Post Graduate Entrance Test (AIAPGET) 2024 will proceed as planned on July 6, 2024.

The NEET (UG) 2024 Examination was conducted by the NTA on May 5, 2024, at 4,750 centres in 571 cities, including 14 cities abroad, with over 23 lakh candidates participating. An unprecedented 67 candidates achieved a perfect score of 720 out of 720, leading to widespread protests across the country.

The alleged irregularities in the UGC-NET, the postponement of certain exams, and paper leaks have sparked numerous protests nationwide. The Opposition has accused the Central government of jeopardizing the future of the country.

In light of the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG and UGC-NET exams, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a criminal case on Sunday to investigate the alleged irregularities in the NTA’s conduct of the exams. Special teams have been formed to look into the matter.