The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a plea seeking a retest of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for undergraduate medical courses (NEET UG) in computer-based test (CBT) mode. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Prashant Kumar Mishra dismissed the petition, observing that the plea lacked merit.
Petition Details
The petitioner had approached the top court alleging irregularities in the pen-and-paper mode of the NEET UG exam held earlier this year. The plea argued that conducting the exam in CBT mode would ensure transparency and prevent malpractices. However, the bench was not convinced, stating that the petition was based on unsubstantiated claims.
Court's Observations
The Supreme Court noted that the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the NEET UG exam, had already taken adequate measures to ensure the integrity of the examination process. The court also observed that the petitioner failed to provide concrete evidence of any widespread irregularities.
The bench further remarked that interfering with the examination schedule at this stage would cause significant disruption to the academic calendar and affect lakhs of students. The court emphasized that the examination process cannot be stalled based on vague allegations.
Background
NEET UG is the single largest medical entrance exam in India, with over 20 lakh candidates appearing annually. The exam was conducted in pen-and-paper mode on May 5, 2024. Following the exam, several petitions were filed in various high courts alleging irregularities, including question paper leaks and impersonation. However, the NTA has maintained that the exam was conducted fairly.
Previous Court Decisions
Earlier, the Delhi High Court had dismissed a similar plea, leading the petitioner to approach the Supreme Court. The apex court's decision is likely to put an end to the demands for a retest, at least for the current academic year.
Impact on Students
With the Supreme Court's refusal, the results of NEET UG 2024 are expected to be declared as scheduled. The NTA had already announced that the results would be out by June 14. Students and parents have expressed mixed reactions, with many welcoming the decision for bringing clarity, while others remain concerned about the alleged irregularities.
The court's verdict underscores the importance of maintaining the sanctity of examination processes while ensuring that unfounded petitions do not disrupt the academic system.
