NEET-PG Exam Scheduled This Month, Question Paper to Be Prepared Just Two Hours Before Test Amid Paper-Leak Controversy: Report

The NEET-PG exam is expected to take place this month, with the question papers being prepared just two hours before the test. This decision comes amid nationwide protests against the alleged “scam and corrupt practices” of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Last month, the central government postponed several exams after irregularities were found in the NEET and UGC NET exams.

According to a report by NDTV, Home Ministry officials met with members of the government’s anti-cybercrime body on Tuesday to discuss the issue. The exam will be held later this month, with the question paper being prepared just two hours before the test.

This development occurred less than a day after the NTA announced revised results for the NEET-UG medical entrance test. The number of candidates sharing the top rank dropped from 67 to 61 after a retest was conducted for 1,563 candidates. These candidates had initially been given grace marks to make up for lost time when the exam started late at six centers on May 5.

The National Testing Agency has been embroiled in controversy over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG exam, including claims of a paper leak. The test was originally held on May 5 with 24 lakh candidates. It drew attention when 67 students scored a perfect 720, including six people from a center in Faridabad, Haryana, raising suspicions of irregularities and the role of grace marks.

Initially, 1,563 candidates were awarded grace marks to compensate for the lost time as the exam started late at six centers on May 5. However, the court eventually ordered the cancellation of these grace marks and offered a retest amid outrage over the ‘inflated’ scores. The retest was held on June 23, and the NTA issued a public notice with the revised ranks of all candidates on Sunday.

The central government, however, maintains that the incidents of irregularities are “localized” and insists that it cannot jeopardize the careers of the many candidates who rightfully cleared the exam.