In an unexpected move, the Ministry of Education has canceled the UGC-NET exam just a day after it was held. This decision affects over 9 lakh candidates who took the exam for Assistant Professor posts and junior research fellowships.
The UGC-NET, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), faced this abrupt cancellation to maintain the “highest level of transparency and sanctity of the examination process.”
Reaction from Political Leaders
The cancellation triggered immediate backlash, notably from Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. She criticized the government for its “laxity” and demanded accountability. The government’s swift decision has raised questions about the integrity and management of high-stakes exams in the country.
Examination Integrity Compromised
The Ministry of Education revealed that on June 19, 2024, the University Grants Commission (UGC) received alarming inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. These inputs suggested that the integrity of the UGC-NET exam might have been compromised. While there were reports of a paper leak, the ministry has not confirmed these allegations, stating that the matter has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough probe.
Future of the Exam
The Ministry of Education has assured candidates that the June 2024 examination will be rescheduled, with new dates to be announced later. This reassurance aims to mitigate the disruption and anxiety caused among the candidates who had appeared for the exam in 83 subjects across 1,205 exam centers in 317 cities.
NEET Controversy
This incident adds to the ongoing controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2024 exam. Nearly 24 lakh students took the NEET-UG exam on May 5, 2024. The early announcement of results on June 4, 2024, led to protests over alleged question paper leaks and the awarding of grace marks to over 1,500 students. The Supreme Court has been critical of the NTA’s handling of these issues.
Government’s Stand
In response to the NEET issues, the Ministry of Education stated, “The issue related to grace marks has already been fully addressed. As regards certain irregularities alleged in the conduct of the examination in Patna, a detailed report has been sought from the Economic Offences Unit, Bihar Police. Government will take further action, on receipt of this report.” The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the sanctity of examinations and protecting students’ interests, promising strict action against any individual or organization found involved in malpractices.
