New Delhi – The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has formally called for the dissolution of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and filed a plea in the Supreme Court of India. This action follows widespread allegations of paper leaks and irregularities surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2024 examination, whose results were declared on June 4, 2024. The doctors' body contends that the integrity of the examination process has been compromised, impacting the careers of millions of aspiring medical students nationwide.

FAIMA's petition in the apex court outlines several key demands aimed at addressing the concerns raised by students and parents. Primarily, the association seeks the complete dissolution of the NTA, the government body established in 2017 to conduct major entrance examinations for higher education institutions. Additionally, FAIMA has called for a re-examination of the NEET-UG 2024, citing numerous issues that have emerged since the results were published. The plea also advocates for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged paper leak incidents and other reported malpractices, aiming to ensure accountability.

The controversy surrounding NEET-UG 2024 escalated following the declaration of results, which revealed an unusually high number of candidates achieving perfect scores. Reports indicated that 67 candidates secured a perfect 720 out of 720 marks, prompting questions about the examination's scoring methodology and fairness. A significant point of contention involves the awarding of grace marks to over 1,500 candidates. The NTA stated these grace marks were compensatory for time lost during the examination at specific centers. This decision has drawn criticism for its perceived lack of transparent guidelines and potential impact on candidate ranks.

Allegations of a paper leak initially surfaced in Bihar, where law enforcement authorities made several arrests in connection with claims of question papers being circulated prematurely. These arrests and ongoing investigations have fueled public skepticism regarding the examination's security protocols. Furthermore, candidates and parent organizations have highlighted reported discrepancies in OMR sheets and alleged issues with the overall conduct of the test, prompting widespread calls for greater accountability from the NTA. The examination saw approximately 2.4 million candidates participate across the country.

  • Key Demands by FAIMA:
    • Dissolution of the National Testing Agency (NTA).
    • Re-conduct of the NEET-UG 2024 examination.
    • Initiation of a CBI inquiry into alleged paper leaks and irregularities.
  • Key Issues Cited in the Controversy:
    • Alleged paper leak incidents, particularly in Bihar, leading to arrests.
    • Awarding of grace marks to 1,563 candidates, reportedly for time lost.
    • Unprecedented number of candidates (67) achieving a perfect score of 720.
    • Concerns regarding discrepancies in OMR sheet evaluations and overall examination integrity.

The Supreme Court has previously addressed multiple petitions filed by students and organizations regarding the NEET-UG 2024 results. While the court had declined to halt the counseling process for medical admissions, it has issued notices to the NTA and the Union government, seeking their responses on the various allegations presented. FAIMA's latest plea adds to the increasing legal and public pressure on authorities to definitively address the concerns raised. The upcoming hearings and potential directives from the Supreme Court, alongside any subsequent government actions, are anticipated to determine the future course for the NEET-UG 2024 examination and the NTA.