A significant uproar has unfolded following a dramatic incident where members of the NSUI (National Students Union of India), the student wing of the Congress party, stormed and briefly occupied the Delhi office of the National Testing Agency (NTA). This action comes in the wake of mounting controversy over alleged irregularities and question paper leaks in this year’s NEET-UG exams.
Nearly 24 lakh students appeared for the NEET-UG exam on May 5, aiming to secure admissions into medical courses. However, the release of results triggered widespread concerns, notably due to an unusually high number of perfect scores, with 67 students achieving the maximum score of 720. Questions also arose regarding the distribution of ‘grace marks,’ which the NTA clarified as against exam protocol.
The situation escalated further with the involvement of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has now taken over the investigation. CBI sources suggest a nationwide corruption racket may be at play, with initial arrests made in Bihar, Maharashtra, and Delhi.
Today, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the NTA in response to a petition alleging exam rigging. The court has directed the NTA to respond by July 8, following arguments from petitioners including a coaching center and affected students who demand access to their Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets.
Politically, the controversy has sparked a fierce exchange between the ruling BJP and opposition parties, primarily led by the Congress. This clash intensified during the recent session of Parliament, where Congress members protested as President Droupadi Murmu addressed the assembly. Rahul Gandhi of the Congress party criticized BJP-ruled states, dubbing them the “epicenter of paper leaks.”
The storming of the NTA office by NSUI members underscores the mounting pressure on authorities to address the allegations of exam malpractice seriously. The incident led to a heavy police presence at the NTA’s Okhla office, with visuals showing protesters denouncing the agency for perceived corruption.
As the controversy unfolds, with ongoing investigations and legal proceedings, the NEET-UG scandal remains a focal point of national debate, highlighting issues of transparency and fairness in educational assessments.
Sources By Agencies
