NEET-PG 2024 Postponed, CBI probing NEET (UG) irregularities

The National Eligibility Entrance Test for Postgraduates (NEET PG), which is a decisive examination for medical graduates aspiring for MD/MS/PG Diploma courses at colleges and universities across India has been postponed for the academic year 2024-2025 without announcement of a fresh date, leaving the examinees anxious. The Ministry of Health has postponed the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test postgraduate (NEET PG) 2024, which is conducted by the National Board of Examination (NBE).

The announcement was made late evening on the 22^nd of June. The examination getting cancelled just a night before its scheduled date on 23^rd June has left students anxious, upset and traumatized. Social media is also abuzz with NEET 2024 getting postponed as this has left students across the country in uncertainty about their future.

Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing alleged irregularities in the recently held NEET (UG) Examination 2024.

NEET-PG postponed ‘as a precautionary measure’

As per statement by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, “Taking into consideration, the recent incidents of allegations regarding the integrity of certain competitive examinations, Ministry of Health has decided to undertake a thorough assessment of the robustness of processes of NEET-PG Entrance Examination, conducted by National Board of Examination for medical students. It has accordingly been decided, as a precautionary measure to postpone the NEET-PG Entrance Examination, scheduled to be held tomorrow i.e. 23rd June, 2024. Fresh date of this examination will be notified at the earliest.”

“Ministry of Health sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused to the students. This decision has been taken in the best interests of the students and to maintain the sanctity of examination process,” the announcement further read.

CBI Probing NEET-UG paper leak case

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has assigned the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for comprehensive investigation of alleged irregularities in NEET (UG) Examination 2024. The paper leak case was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on 22^nd June.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted NEET(UG) Examination on 5^th May 2024 this year, following which certain cases of alleged irregularities, cheating, impersonation and malpractices were reported.

The Central Government has also enacted the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to prevent unfair means in the public examinations. “The Government is committed to ensure the sanctity of examinations and protect the interest of students. It is reiterated that any individual/ organization found to be involved will face strictest action,” as per an official statement by the Ministry of Education.

Other exams cancelled

Amid the ongoing National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) paper leak controversy, several other entrance examinations have been cancelled or postponed.

The Ministry of Education, has canceled the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination, which enables students to choose a career in teaching at institutes of higher education and pursue a PhD. The exam, which was expected to be held on June 18, was recently cancelled. Date for the fresh examination is yet to be announced.

The CBI is also investigating irregularities in the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) exams.

The Joint CSIR-UGC-NET, a test to determine eligibility for a junior research fellowship and assistant professorship and admission to PhD programs in science courses at Indian institutes and Bihar TET, an exam conducted for candidates of primary school, secondary school, and higher secondary school in Bihar, have been postponed. CSIR-UGC-NET was scheduled to be held between June 25 and June 27 while Bihar TET was due on June 26-28.