The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition challenging the National Testing Agency's (NTA) conduct of the NEET UG examination.
Education: A legal dispute concerning the NEET UG 2024, India's largest medical entrance exam, has concluded in the Supreme Court. A bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and J.B. Pardiwala disposed of the petition challenging the National Testing Agency's (NTA) procedures on Monday. This followed the central government's assurance of implementing almost all recommendations made by an expert committee.
The Crucial Role of the Expert Panel
Following criticism regarding the transparency and conduct of the NEET UG examination, the Supreme Court directed the central government to form a seven-member expert committee, headed by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan. The committee's mandate was to improve the NEET examination system and strengthen the NTA's accountability.
Center Shows Readiness, Only Dissents on Fully Online Examination
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that all recommendations of the expert panel had been accepted, except for one—the suggestion to conduct the NEET UG entirely online. He explained that with over 2.6 million students appearing for the exam and the uneven availability of internet and digital resources across the country, this recommendation was currently impractical.
Court Trusts the Center, Dismisses Petition
Considering the steps taken and developments presented by the Center, the bench stated that no further orders were needed in the matter. Previously, in 2023, the court had dismissed pleas to cancel the exam, stating insufficient evidence of irregularities or paper leaks. Over 2.3 million candidates participated in NEET UG 2024, a record number reflecting the exam's popularity and competitiveness. The exam serves as the gateway for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other undergraduate medical courses.
