Postponement of NEET-PG Amid Exam Integrity Concerns Sparks Comprehensive Government Reforms

Education Central

Posted by pallavi on 2024-06-27 13:41:45 |

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 69

---

The NEET-PG Entrance Examination, originally scheduled for June 23, 2024, has been postponed due to concerns over the integrity of the examination process amid a broader context of alleged irregularities in various competitive exams in India. The Ministry of Health announced the postponement as a precautionary measure to ensure the fairness and robustness of the examination system. This decision was influenced by recent incidents, including allegations of leaked question papers and fraudulent activities aimed at deceiving candidates.

The National Board of Examination (NBE), responsible for conducting the NEET-PG, had warned candidates about individuals on social media offering question papers for a significant fee. The board lodged a police complaint against these fraudsters, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the examination process.

This postponement is part of a series of actions taken by the Indian government to address the integrity issues in competitive exams. The NEET-UG, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), has also come under scrutiny following allegations of paper leaks and other malpractices. The NTA Director-General, Subodh Kumar Singh, was removed from his position amid these controversies, and a comprehensive investigation into the NEET-UG exam, held on May 5, 2024, has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

In response to the growing concerns, the Union government has enacted the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which became effective on June 21, 2024. This legislation aims to prevent cheating and other unfair practices in public examinations, with strict penalties for those found guilty.

Additionally, the Education Ministry has set up a seven-member expert committee, chaired by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan, to reform the examination system. The committee is tasked with reviewing the structure and functioning of the NTA, suggesting improvements in the examination process, and enhancing data security protocols. The committee is expected to submit its recommendations within two months.

The postponement of NEET-PG follows the cancellation of other major exams, such as the UGC-NET and CSIR-UGC-NET, due to similar concerns over paper leaks and integrity issues. The Ministry of Health expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to students but emphasized that the decision was made in their best interest to ensure a fair examination process.

Go!