SC Hearing on NEET UG 2024: CJI Raises Concerns Over Re-Test of Massive Exam

The Supreme Court of India has commenced a crucial hearing on a batch of petitions related to the alleged irregularities in the administration of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) Undergraduate (UG) 2024, the entrance exam for undergraduate medical courses. The integrity of several national-level entrance exams conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) is under scrutiny due to accusations of paper leaks and other malpractices.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra will address a total of 38 petitions related to the exam. The CJI expressed concerns over the possibility of re-testing the exam, stating that it might not be proper to order a re-test of an exam conducted on such a massive scale. The bench is expected to deliberate on the matter and make a decision that will impact the career prospects of thousands of students who appeared for the exam.

The central government and the NTA, in separate affidavits to the Supreme Court, have expressed their reluctance to cancel the exam and conduct a re-examination. The NTA argued that cancelling the entire examination would be “hugely counterproductive and significantly harmful to the larger public interest, especially to the career prospects of the qualified candidates.”

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) was scheduled to begin the counselling process for All India Quota (AIQ) undergraduate medical seats on July 6. However, the process has been postponed until further notice. Last month, the Supreme Court refused to delay the counselling process for the disputed NEET-UG 2024 exam, addressing a petition seeking a two-day pause in the process.

The NTA had earlier informed the Supreme Court that the counselling would commence on July 6, with the NEET re-test scheduled for June 23 and results expected by June 30 to facilitate the counselling starting on July 6. The exam was conducted, and the results were announced as planned. With the Supreme Court hearing scheduled for today, July 8, at 10:30 AM, new dates for NEET UG 2024 counselling are expected to be announced after the hearing.

The outcome of the hearing will have a significant impact on the future of thousands of students who are eagerly waiting for the counselling process to begin. The Supreme Court’s decision will determine the fate of the NEET UG 2024 exam and the future of medical education in the country.