Medical aspirants will appear for NEET-UG again on June 21, following the cancellation of the May 3 exam due to a question paper leak. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing the leak, which occurred 42 hours before the original test. According to media reports, this is the 89th public exam paper leak or suspected leak in the last decade, with each case leading to a police complaint or a retest.
The Leak and Its Aftermath
Rajasthan police recovered a leaked paper in which approximately 120 out of 180 questions matched the actual exam. The subsequent response—CBI probe, arrests of alleged masterminds, and issuance of Memoranda of Understanding—follows a familiar pattern. However, the administrative explanation of tighter security and improved protocols has worn thin, as similar assurances have been given after every previous leak.
The 2024 Act's Ineffectiveness
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which came into force in June 2024, has not resulted in any convictions so far, raising questions about its effectiveness in deterring such malpractices.
A Proposed Two-Exam Solution
To address the recurring issue, experts suggest implementing a two-exam system: a preliminary screening test followed by the main exam. This approach could reduce the impact of a single leak and provide a more robust evaluation process. The proposal aims to enhance security and fairness in high-stakes examinations like NEET-UG.
As the CBI continues its investigation, the focus remains on ensuring a secure and transparent examination process for millions of medical aspirants across the country.
