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The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear a plea concerning the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG) 2024 on October 4th. This petition, filed by a group of NEET PG aspirants led by Ishika Jain, challenges the exam pattern implemented by the National Board of Education for Medical Sciences (NBEMS). The crux of the plea lies in the demand for the release of answer keys and question papers for NEET PG 2024, along with the standardization of marks. This demand stems from the fact that the exam was conducted in two parts, a departure from the traditional single-shift format, raising concerns about transparency in the selection process.
The petitioners, represented by senior advocate Vibha Makhija and advocate Tanvi Dubey, argue that the last-minute changes made by NBEMS to the exam pattern warrant a standardized approach to ensure fairness. They emphasize the absence of regulations governing the exam's conduct, leaving it solely dependent on an information bulletin that can be modified at the discretion of the authorities. The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice of India D. Y. Chandrachud, expressed concerns over these sudden changes, highlighting their potential impact on the students' mental well-being. The CJI questioned the validity of changing the entire exam pattern just three days before the examination, emphasizing the disruption and anxiety it could cause.
Despite the CBI counsel's defense that no unusual practices were employed, the bench remained skeptical. The hearing, initially scheduled for September 27th, has been postponed to October 4th. The NEET PG exam, conducted for admissions into postgraduate medical courses following MBBS and BDS, saw its results declared on August 23rd. These results, however, have sparked discontent among students due to unexpectedly low rankings. The implementation of a normalization process by NBE in response to the new two-shift format has further amplified these concerns. The outcome of the Supreme Court hearing will have significant implications for the future of NEET PG and the fair treatment of aspiring medical professionals.
The case underscores the importance of transparency and consistency in conducting large-scale entrance exams like NEET PG. The petitioners are seeking to ensure that the selection process is not only transparent but also free from arbitrary changes and potential biases. The Supreme Court's decision will likely have a significant impact on future exam patterns and regulations, setting a precedent for the conduct of such important exams for medical education in India.
Source: NEET PG 2024: Supreme Court to hear NEET PG lea on October 4