NEET 2024: Lawyer Explains Controversy

From claims of question paper leaks and the alleged distribution of incorrect question papers at certain exam centres, what specific irregularities or discrepancies have students faced in the examination process?

Since the day of exam conducted on 5^th May, 2024, there have been allegations of paper leak. The matter relating to paper leak is being investigated by the authorities and is still a matter of investigation and final report is yet to be submitted before the Courts. It is difficult to make a conclusion on the basis of what is coming in Media, but if the allegations are true, it is surely a matter of serious concern and very dangerous for the students. NTA itself has admitted that there were few instances where wrong questions papers were distributed which resulted in loss of precious time for the candidates. Further, NTA also stated in its notification/ bulletin that the loss of time for such candidates was made up by awarding of grace marks. According to NTA there were 1563 such students and they all were granted grace marks

NTA has cancelled the grace marks awarded to 1563 students today. What was the controversy about?

Against the loss of time for the students, NTA stated to have awarded grace marks according to some formula/ basis established in a SC judgment of 2018, which is not correct. The judgment of 2018 was for CLAT exam which is an online exam whereas NEET is an offline exam. Moreover, the category of 2018 judgment itself says “for admission to educational institutions, other than Medical and Engineering”. Thus, this judgment, on the basis of which NTA claims to have awarded grace marks, is not applicable to NEET.

Given the unprecedented number of candidates scoring a perfect 720, what would you say regarding the credibility and transparency of the NEET 2024 evaluation process?

Though, practically speaking, 67 no. of students securing perfect 720 score seems difficult considering the past history. However, as per NTA, earlier only 23 students were scoring perfect score, however, when answer key was challenged by students and two answers to a physics question were accepted correct by NTA, another 44 students secured 720 and the no. of rank 1 holders rose to 67.

How do you interpret the awarding of scores like 718 or 719, which appear inconsistent with the NEET marking scheme? 

This is incorrect. As even if you award grace marks for a question, it is mathematically impossible to score 718 or 719 marks considering the fact that for a wrong question you have to deduct 5 marks and for a left out question you have to deduct 4 marks. This is something which is not possible at all and NTA has to explain this. NTA has not provided any details about the derivation of grace marks awarded.

Do you believe the application of this normalization formula was appropriate and fair in the context of the NEET (UG) 2024 examination?

The application of this normalisation formula on the basis of earlier judgment is not fair in the sense (already explained above) that it was formulated for an offline CLAT exam and not for NEET. NTA cannot on its own apply that formula for NEET exam and that formula was never settled for admission to Engineering or medical educational institutions.