Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Don’t worry, this isn’t a Latin discourse. It’s simply that this ancient Latin phrase, which loosely means “Who will guard the guards themselves?” or “Who will watch the watchmen?”, is perfectly apt for the situation we are about to describe.
After controversy erupted around the integrity and veracity of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) results, further outrage was sparked among students and academicians alike, as the National Testing Agency (NTA) has appointed its own Chairperson, Pradeep Kumar Joshi, to head the investigation into these alleged irregularities.
The question on everyone’s mind is whether this decision will lead to a fair and impartial evaluation, or if it will merely serve to further erode the credibility of the exam-conducting agency.
The controversy around NEET 2024
The NEET is a high-stakes exam that determines the academic and professional futures of countless aspiring medical students across India. However, the 2024 edition of this crucial examination has been mired in a web of controversies, ranging from alleged paper leaks to irregularities in the awarding of grace marks.
There has been widespread consternation, with reports of over 1,600 candidates being awarded grace marks due to errors in the question paper and loss of time during the exam. This has led to a significant spike in the number of students securing a 99 percentile, raising concerns about the integrity of the evaluation process.
According to NTA Director General Subodh Kumar Singh, the investigative committee formed to review the results of the 1,600 candidates who received grace marks will consist of a former UPSC chairman and three other academicians. However, the appointment of Pradeep Kumar Joshi, the current NTA Chairperson, to head this committee has raised eyebrows. Joshi, who served as the UPSC chairman from 2020 to 2021, is now tasked with overseeing the investigation into the very organisation he currently leads.
The decision to have the NTA Chairperson lead the investigation has sparked concerns among students and academicians alike. Dr. Chinmayee Gowda, the State Chairman of AP and Telangana for the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), expressed her reservations, stating, “If the process of revaluation is pellucid, then it can solve the problem to a certain extent, but still, there are questions about 8 students of Haryana from the same center getting 720/720 and suspected paper leak. This problem is not going to be solved by revaluation.”
Of paper leaks, unanswered questions, and potential re-exams
In addition to the grace marks controversy, the NEET 2024 exam was also marred by allegations of paper leaks in several states, including Bihar, Gujarat, and Odisha. However, the NTA has denied any cases of paper leaks, stating that the “outcome of the investigation in aforesaid cases is awaited.” This has led to further skepticism among students and experts, who question the transparency and accountability of the exam-conducting agency.
The possibility of a re-exam has been a topic of much debate. While some students and organisations, such as the Congress party, have demanded a complete re-examination, the NTA has stated that a re-exam is not on the cards. NTA Director Subodh Kumar Singh argued that the grace marks controversy only affected 1,600 students out of the 23.33 lakh candidates who appeared for the exam, and that the grace marks policy will be reviewed by the expert committee.
The ongoing controversies surrounding the NEET 2024 exam have taken a significant toll on the mental well-being of the students. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a prominent political leader, expressed her concern, stating, “NEET-like exams, where lakhs of children work hard and devote the most precious moments of their lives, and the whole family puts in its faith and strength. But year after year, these exams have been marred by paper leaks and irregularities in the results.”
The issue of grace marks has become a central focus of the NEET 2024 controversy. While the NTA has acknowledged the need to review the grace marks policy, it remains to be seen how this will be implemented and whether it will lead to a more equitable and transparent evaluation process. The expert committee tasked with this review must strike a delicate balance between addressing the concerns of affected students and upholding the integrity of the exam.
Restoring faith in the system
The NEET 2024 controversy extends beyond the immediate impact on the students who have been affected. It has the potential to erode public confidence in the entire medical entrance examination system, which is a crucial gateway for aspiring healthcare professionals. The NTA must take decisive steps to address the concerns raised and implement robust measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing the conduct of NEET, such as the Ministry of Education and the National Medical Commission, must also play a proactive role in ensuring the integrity of the exam. They must hold the NTA accountable for any lapses and work closely with the agency to implement comprehensive reforms that safeguard the interests of the students and the healthcare ecosystem as a whole. It is heartening to see the Supreme Court demand answers, and more such accountability for this critical exam would be a welcome move.
As the NEET 2024 saga continues to unfold, the key stakeholders – the NTA, regulatory authorities, and the student community – must come together to chart a path forward that restores trust and credibility in the exam-conducting process. This may require a thorough re-evaluation of the existing policies and practices, as well as the implementation of robust mechanisms for addressing grievances and ensuring transparency. Only through decisive action, accountability, and a genuine commitment to transparency can the credibility of the NEET exam be restored and the aspirations of countless young individuals be safeguarded.
