NTA Takes Strict Action Against 39 JEE Candidates for Using Unfair Means

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has taken a stern stance against 39 candidates who were found to have used unfair means (UFM) in the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) Main 2024. The agency has initiated strict action, including debarment for three years, against these candidates who attempted to cheat their way to success.

The NTA had introduced advanced technology, called iFace, to monitor the exam for any malpractices. This AI-powered tool cross-verifies the photo on the admit card with a live photograph taken at the exam center, alongside mandatory frisking and electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) procedures. Additionally, the agency deployed a substantial workforce to provide biometric authentication, frisking, CCTV surveillance, and jamming services to ensure a secure and fair examination process.

The JEE Main exam was conducted in two sessions this year, with the first session taking place from January 28 to February 1, and the second session from April 4 to 9. The result of Paper 1 (BE / BTech) was declared on April 24, 2024.

Following the declaration of the result, some candidates raised concerns regarding the non-display of their scorecard. To address these issues, the NTA had previously notified that multiple application forms submitted by a candidate would not be accepted and would lead to the cancellation of their result. The notification also stated that any candidate with more than one application number or scorecard would be treated as UFM, even if discovered at a later stage, and strict action would be taken against them.

As per the court’s direction, a candidate cannot receive two scorecards on different application numbers for the same examination in a year. Therefore, the NTA has declared the best scores of candidates who appeared more than once with different application numbers. This move aims to ensure that only genuine candidates receive their scorecards and that the integrity of the examination process is maintained.

The NTA’s swift action against these 39 candidates serves as a warning to others who may consider using unfair means to gain an advantage. The agency’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the examination process is evident in its use of advanced technology and strict enforcement of rules.