While pronouncing the detailed verdict on NEET-UG retest pleas, the Supreme Court on Friday said that there was no systemic breach in the NEET UG 2024 exam beyond Hazaribagh and Patna and that the National Testing Agency (NTA) should avoid flip flops as it did not look good on the central body.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, pronouncing the detailed judgement, said, “We have come to the conclusion that there was no systemic breach in NEET UG 2024 exam beyond Hazaribagh and Patna. We have held the answer by IIT Delhi was the correct one. We have said that NTA must now avoid the flip flops which have happened because it does not serve well.”
“These issues such as rear door being kept open in strong room etc, then granting compensatory marks, then grace marks which led to 44 getting 720/720 – we have highlighted all errors of NTA and thus the committee should identify and rectify these. These issues which have arisen must be rectified by the Union of India this year itself so that it is not repeated,” the CJI added.
‘Take Steps to Deter And Detect Malpractice’
The CJI also said that the committee formed by the government must suggest steps to “deter and detect” any malpractice. The CJI said that the committee along with the NTA must evaluate a mechanism to ensure rigorous checks from making question papers to checking it, streamline an SOP to check handling and storage etc of question papers.
The CJI said the NTA must enhance identity checks at various stages, technological innovations to check impersonation and take into account privacy law.
He also asked the NTA to evaluate the viability of using closed vehicles with real time locks rather than open e-rickshaws for carrying question papers.
Grievance Redressal System and Mental Health Support
The CJI also asked the committee to recommend a robust grievance redressal mechanism and data protection protocols.
To guard against leaks, the CJI asked the NTA to record electronic fingerprints, and carry out cybersecurity and vulnerability audits to ensure the latest trends of cybersecurity measures.
“Policy and stakeholder engagements should be taken care of so that the NTA is adept to handle the issues whenever they may arise,” the top court said.
The CJI also asked the committee to recommend measures to ensure there are reduced barriers to entry for the differently-abled so that there is equality.
“The committee shall recommend plans for mental health support programs of students and also assess psychological impact on students, consider viability of training of NTA members, examiners, staff etc so that all are equipped to well handled the integrity of the exam,” the CJI said.
The court has asked the committee to prepare a report by September 30. The court has also asked the Ministry of Education to formulate a program to be implemented in a month and then inform court of the development after two weeks of the said decision.
On July 23, the apex court had rejected the plea for a re-test and stated that the detailed reasons would be given later. CJI DY Chandrachud had observed that conducting a fresh exam would have serious consequences as it would affect more than 24 lakh students who appeared in this exam. It would disrupt the admission schedule, and have cascading effects on the course of the medical entrance exam and its counselling process, the CJI observed.
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