CBI Investigates NEET 2024 Exam Irregularities

New Delhi, June 23: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched an investigation into alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 exam. The exam, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 5, 2024, saw over 23 lakh candidates appearing at 4,750 centers in 571 cities, including 14 abroad.

Special Teams Formed

The CBI has formed special teams to probe the matter, focusing on Patna and Godhra where local police cases have been registered. The investigation follows a request from the Ministry of Education to look into allegations of conspiracy, cheating, impersonation, and other irregularities.

Political Reactions

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the central government, claiming that the education system has been handed over to corrupt entities. She highlighted issues with multiple exams, including NEET-PG and UGC-NET, which have faced cancellations and postponements.

Other political figures, including CPI (M) and Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, have demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. They argue that the centralization and commercialization of education have led to these issues.

Protests and Demands

Protests have erupted across the country, with Congress workers in Jharkhand burning an effigy of the Education Minister. The CPI (M) has called for the scrapping of centralized exams like NEET.

NTA’s Response

The NTA has denied allegations of its web portals being compromised, calling such claims misleading. Despite the controversy, a retest for NEET-UG was conducted for affected candidates, following a Supreme Court order.