Previously, on July 23, the Supreme Court determined that there was no systematic violation of the NEET-UG question paper after reviewing a data analytics report from IIT Madras and other relevant statistics.As a result, it decided not to order a retest.
In its ruling today, the Supreme Court directed the Centre-appointed committee to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at improving technological safeguards. This includes identifying potential cybersecurity flaws in the examination system, improving identity verification procedures, and implementing CCTV monitoring at exam centres.
Key highlights from the Supreme Court hearing today
During the hearing, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) outlined the responsibilities of the committee constituted by the government. The committee’s responsibilities will encompass:
- Evaluation of existing procedures.
- Development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Review of the process for allotting exam centres.
- Implementation of enhanced identity verification checks.
- Installation of CCTV monitoring systems at exam centres.
- Engagement of secure logistics providers to ensure the integrity of examination papers.
- Recommendation of a robust grievance redressal mechanism.
The CJI emphasised the importance of using technological advancements to detect potential weaknesses in the examination system’s cybersecurity. He emphasised the importance of collaboration and international cooperation in improving cybersecurity management.
Additionally, the CJI emphasised the importance of counselling programs to ensure students’ mental health and advised staff and management to receive mental wellness training.
The Supreme Court directed that the committee is required to submit its report by September 30. Subsequently the Union Ministry of Education is expected to provide a report on the committee’s compliance and implementation decisions within two weeks. The Court stated that any student with grievances not addressed in the judgement may approach the High Courts.
Decision to not cancel NEET UG 2024 exam held on May 4
The Supreme Court concluded that there was no systemic breach of the examination papers, with leaks limited to specific locations in Patna and Hazaribagh. It identified and highlighted deficiencies in the structural processes of the National Testing Agency (NTA), emphasising the need for improvements to benefit students.
CJI commends advocate for arguing ambiguous Physics question
The CJI also commended Advocate Sukriti Choudhary for effectively arguing the issue of an ambiguous question in the NEET Exam.
During its previous hearing on July 23, the Supreme Court sought assistance from IIT-Delhi experts to resolve a disagreement over which of two answers approved by the National Testing Agency (NTA) should be considered correct for an elementary question on atomic theory in the NEET-UG 2024 exam. The Court requested expert input after informing petitioners that they had yet to provide sufficient evidence demonstrating that the integrity of the entire NEET-UG 2024 exam had been jeopardised.
Following the expert committee’s report, the NTA released revised NEET-UG 2024 results on July 26. Consequently fresh scorecards with revised marks were issued along with revised cut-off scores.
Latest findings from the CBI investigation into the NEET paper leak
In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed its first chargesheet in the NEET-UG exam paper leak case. The chargesheet names 13 individuals accused of involvement in the paper leak and associated irregularities.
The accused are Nitish Kumar, Amit Anand, Sikander Yadvendu, Ashutosh Kumar-1, Roshan Kumar, Manish Prakash, Ashutosh Kumar-2, Akhilesh Kumar, Avdesh Kumar, Anurag Yadav, Abhishek Kumar, Shivnandan Kumar, and Ayush Raj.
The CBI utilised advanced forensic techniques, artificial intelligence technology, CCTV footage, and tower location analysis to compile evidence against the accused.
To date, the CBI has arrested 40 individuals in connection with the case, including 15 initially detained by the Bihar Police.
The agency has conducted searches at over 50 locations and has filed six FIRs related to alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam. The FIR from Bihar addresses the paper leak, while those from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra involve instances of candidate impersonation and cheating.
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