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Amid raging controversy surrounding the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) over alleged irregularities in mark allotment, the Ministry of Education left lakhs of students across the country disappointed by announcing the cancellation of the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) 2024 held on June 18. The ministry cited inputs suggesting that ‘the integrity of the examination may have been compromised’. Interestingly, these controversies have at least two things in common – both the examinations were conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and both are in the news over alleged question paper leaks. In an attempt to address the NEET-UG issue, the Union Education ministry has constituted a four-member committee to look into the matter and revoked the grace marks previously granted to more than 1500 students, while the Supreme Court has sought the responses of the Centre and NTA on a slew of petitions even as it refused to stay the counselling process for those who have cleared the medical entrance exam. As for the UGC-NET, the concerned authority has announced a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case, besides the decision to conduct a fresh exam. The Centre has assured to take strict action against those involved in the malpractices, ensure the sanctity of examinations and protect the interests of students. However, lip service and false promises won’t help anybody. The government should prove with action. The back-to-back question paper leak cases have affected millions of students across the country and potentially jeopardised their future. It’s not something new and it is unlikely to be the last.
The NTA is an autonomous body tasked with conducting some of the toughest entrance examinations in the country, like NEET, JEE, CTET, GATE, GPAT, GMAT, CAT, and UGC-NET. With millions of students taking these exams every year in the hope of getting admissions for higher studies in some of the most prestigious educational institutions, there should not be room for even slightest irregularities, for the simple reason that any discrepancy in the conduct of such exams will affect their career and future. The credibility of NTA has taken a beating, especially after the NEET and NET cases. Owing to this, it is important for those at the helm of affairs to take responsibility for the mess, accept the flaws, deal with utmost transparency and prevent further damage, instead of living in denial and victimising those protesting the injustice meted out on students. There should be accountability to earn the trust of the people again. Stringent action that will ensure foolproof and glitch-free exams is the need of the hour.