The Supreme Court has directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to publish the marks of all candidates who appeared for the NEET UG 2024 exam while masking their identities. This decision aims to ensure transparency amidst allegations of malpractice, including question paper leaks and unauthorized handling of exam materials.
Key Directives and Observations
- Publication of Results:
The Supreme Court mandated that the NTA publish the marks of all NEET UG 2024 candidates on its website, categorized by city and exam center, by noon on Saturday. The court emphasized that the identity of students should remain confidential to maintain privacy. - Transparency and Accountability:
This directive came in response to petitions from students urging transparency in the exam results. The court believes that publicizing the marks will provide clarity and address concerns about the integrity of the examination process. - Ongoing Investigation:
The Supreme Court raised questions about the alleged malpractices during the exam, including reports of question paper leaks and irregularities in the distribution and handling of exam materials. The court is set to continue hearing these issues, with further sessions scheduled for July 22. - Re-Examination Concerns:
The court also questioned the necessity of conducting a re-exam for all candidates, highlighting the complexity and potential unfairness of such a measure. The Chief Justice noted the practical difficulties and potential unintended consequences of a mass re-examination, suggesting that localized breaches might not warrant a complete re-test. - Security Measures:
During the hearings, the NTA and the Solicitor General detailed the extensive security measures in place, including GPS tracking, digital lockers, and a multi-layered safety system to secure exam materials. Despite these measures, instances of malpractice were reported, prompting the ongoing legal scrutiny.
Implications
This order from the Supreme Court underscores the importance of maintaining transparency and integrity in national examinations like NEET UG. The publication of marks is a step towards restoring trust in the examination process while the court continues to address the broader allegations of malpractice. The outcome of these proceedings will have significant implications for the administration of standardized tests in India.