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The National Testing Agency (NTA) released the center-wise NEET-UG 2024 results, shedding light on the performance of candidates from centers allegedly involved in paper leaks and irregularities. The data revealed that candidates from centers under investigation, including Oasis School in Hazaribag (Jharkhand), Hardayal Public School in Jhajjar (Haryana), and Jay Jalaram International School in Godhra (Gujarat), exhibited comparatively poor performance compared to not only coaching hubs but also thousands of other centers free from irregularities.
The data starkly contrasts with the NTA's assertion that the leak was localized to Hazaribag and that identified beneficiaries have been debarred, rendering a test cancellation unnecessary. The Supreme Court, prompted by petitions highlighting the discrepancy between the NTA's stance and the Bihar Police's findings on the Hazaribag leak, ordered the release of center-wise results to assess the extent of the leakage and identify beneficiaries. The data, however, contradicts the NTA's claim of localized impact.
The Oasis School in Hazaribag, the alleged epicenter of the leak, saw no candidates achieving a score of 700 or above, with a mere 7 candidates scoring between 650 and 699, and 12 in the 600-649 range. This contrasts significantly with the St Xavier's School in the same city, which has not been under scrutiny, registering a slightly higher success rate for candidates scoring 650 and above, with one even exceeding 700. This disparity further challenges the NTA's claim of limited impact.
Similar trends were observed in the Godhra and Jhajjar centers. The Jay Jalaram School in Godhra, where the administration engaged in corrupt practices to help candidates cheat, saw an exceptionally low percentage of students scoring 600 and above, with none achieving a score above 700 and only 0.4% exceeding 650. Meanwhile, the Hardayal Public School in Jhajjar, which faced controversy after candidates were awarded grace marks for a time crunch, registered no candidates scoring above 700 and only two achieving 650 or above, with a total of 15 candidates scoring above 600.
These findings raise serious questions about the efficacy of the NTA's investigation and the measures taken to address the issue of exam leaks. The discrepancy between the NTA's claims and the revealed data highlights the need for a thorough and independent investigation to establish the extent of the leak and hold those responsible accountable. The release of center-wise results, while a positive step towards transparency, has exposed the shortcomings in the NTA's handling of the situation and the potential for widespread manipulation of the exam system.
The case in Godhra, where five individuals, including education consultants, school officials, and alleged middlemen, were arrested for their role in helping 27 aspirants cheat, underscores the systemic nature of the problem. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over five cases of alleged malpractice in NEET-UG being investigated by police in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Bihar. These developments highlight the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure the integrity and fairness of the NEET-UG exam and safeguard the future of aspiring medical professionals.
The release of center-wise results has ignited public debate about the credibility of the NEET-UG exam and the NTA's ability to ensure a level playing field. The data, which contradicts the NTA's claims, necessitates a thorough and independent investigation to uncover the truth behind the alleged paper leaks and ensure accountability for the individuals and institutions involved. The future of medical education in India hinges on the integrity of the NEET-UG exam, and restoring public trust requires immediate and decisive action.
Source: NEET-UG result below par at centres under lens: NTA data