Synopsis : The NEET-UG 2024 results, released on June 4, sparked nationwide controversy due to an unprecedented number of perfect scores and alleged discrepancies. Legal challenges, accusations of a leaked question paper, and anomalies in scoring have all contributed to the uproar.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) released the NEET-UG 2024 results on June 4, amidst the fervor of the Lok Sabha election results. The NEET-UG exam is crucial for admission to medical, dental, and AYUSH courses in India, with approximately 2.4 million candidates participating in the test held on May 5 across 571 cities, including 14 centers outside India. The exam aimed to fill 1,08,940 MBBS seats across more than 700 medical institutions nationwide.
Perfect Scores and Discrepancies
The results immediately drew attention due to an unusual occurrence: 67 candidates achieved a perfect score of 720 out of 720, securing the perfect rank AIR 1. Additionally, discrepancies emerged with individuals scoring 718 or 719, which skeptics deemed implausible within the exam's framework.
Legal Challenges and Petitions
In response to these concerns, legal challenges have arisen. Two petitions were filed in different High Courts contesting the validity of the results. A plea was also lodged in the Supreme Court on June 1, urging a reevaluation of the examination due to suspicions of a leaked question paper. This follows the Supreme Court's earlier refusal to halt the publication of the results while considering a similar plea last month.
Eight AIR-1 Students from the Same Center
A startling revelation showed that eight candidates who scored All India Rank 1 were from the same examination center in Haryana, with their sequence numbers being the same. Parents of some protesting students filed a complaint with the Additional Deputy Commissioner in Jind, requesting a probe into alleged anomalies in the NEET examination. Dr. Krishan Sharma highlighted the suspicious nature of this occurrence, noting that some students from the center received grace marks.
The NCERT Book Controversy
The announcement that 67 examinees secured the top spot in the exam raised eyebrows. Among them, 44 top scorers reportedly answered a basic physics question incorrectly but received extra marks due to an error in an older version of the NCERT Class 12 textbook. Over 13,000 candidates disputed the provisional answer key released on May 29, citing conflicting information in the textbooks. The NTA chose not to penalize these students, emphasizing the importance of NCERT textbooks for NEET preparation.
The 718 and 719 Confusion
Instances of candidates scoring 718 and 719 were justified by the NTA as compensatory marks awarded to individuals who faced time constraints during the exam at certain centers. A committee of experts addressed grievances regarding insufficient time allocation, determining compensation based on candidates' answering efficiency and time loss.
Accusations of a Paper Leak
Accusations of a leaked question paper in Patna were strongly denied by the NTA. While investigations are ongoing, arrests related to impersonation were made, highlighting the agency's cooperation with authorities. The NTA refuted any rumors of NEET UG 2024 question paper leaks, maintaining that the examination procedure was secure and impartial.
Incidents and Increased Cutoff
In a peculiar incident in Sawai Madhopur, some Hindi-medium students unknowingly received English-medium question papers, prompting a walkout during the exam. The NTA justified the early release of results by emphasizing their commitment to swiftly processing outcomes post-answer key challenges. Rising cutoff scores were attributed to the greater number of participants achieving higher performance levels, reflecting the competitive nature of the examination. The 2024 NEET exam saw a record 23.81 lakh students registering, contributing to the elevated cutoff marks.
The NEET-UG 2024 results have thus sparked a row of controversies nationwide, with the NTA facing significant scrutiny over the fairness and transparency of the examination process.
Related Questions
1. When were the NEET-UG 2024 results released?

The NEET-UG 2024 results were released on June 4.
2. How many candidates participated in NEET-UG 2024, and what was the exam for?

Approximately 2.4 million candidates participated in NEET-UG 2024, which is crucial for admission to medical, dental, and AYUSH courses in India.
3. What unusual occurrence was noted in the NEET-UG 2024 results?

67 candidates achieved a perfect score of 720 out of 720, securing the perfect rank AIR 1, which drew attention due to its unusual nature.
4. What legal actions were taken in response to the NEET-UG 2024 results?

Legal challenges arose, including two petitions filed in different High Courts contesting the validity of the results and a plea lodged in the Supreme Court urging a reevaluation of the examination.
5. What was unusual about the top scorers from the same examination center?

Eight candidates who scored All India Rank 1 were from the same examination center in Haryana, with their sequence numbers being the same, raising suspicions of anomalies in the NEET examination.