In the aftermath of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2024 exam paper leak scandal, social media has erupted with demands for a re-examination. Reports of cheating and the use of unfair means in exams have emerged nationwide, leading to numerous arrests and ongoing investigations.
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Drawing on historical precedents where the government canceled exams following paper leaks, candidates are urging the authorities for a re-examination. The social media page ‘NEET UG Leak’ posted, “#NEETUG exam paper was leaked 2 days before the exam date. First the news of 15 students came, then 30, and now more than 135. And no one knows how many students have committed this malpractice. Government should cancel the exam and conduct it again. #NEET_PAPER_LEAK #RENEET.”
Another user, Pradeep Rawat, emphasized, “It’s high time that the Govt should decide in favour of #NEET students and order fresh exams! #RENEET #RENEET2024 Otherwise honest students who studied hard and gave #NEETUG with honesty will be suffering because of #NEET_Paper_Leak.”
Sankhadip Das, a NEET UG aspirant, wrote, “There is proper evidence of paper leaks and misconduct of NEET 2024 all over the country, NTA MUST COME FORWARD AND ADDRESS #NEET_PAPER_LEAK.”
Images of aspirants holding placards saying “Justice for NEET 2024” have also circulated widely on social media platforms.
Despite widespread outcry, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has denied the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak. A senior NTA official stated to the Education Times that there will be no re-exam for NEET UG, maintaining that the May 5 incident involved distributing the wrong question paper rather than a paper leak. NEET UG 2024 was conducted across 4750 centers in 571 cities, including 14 international locations.
Dr. Vivek Pandey, a social activist leading the movement against the NEET UG 2024 paper leak, remarked, “Since 2016, lakhs of students have been troubled by NEET paper leak issues. In 2017, there was an instance of a paper leak in Patna, the investigation of which is still pending. The government should establish new rules for swift action against paper-leak cases, so students do not have to seek court intervention each year for justice. If a paper leak is proven, the exam should be canceled.”
Dr. Lakshya Mittal, president of the United Doctors Front Association (UDFA), acknowledged the complexities, “A re-exam could address the alleged paper leak and provide fairness, as suggested by the FIR from Patna police, and a case has been filed in the Patna High Court. However, a re-exam would also add stress and inconvenience to students who have already invested significant effort. Balancing these aspects is essential. We also request a thorough CBI inquiry to ensure a comprehensive investigation.”
Reports indicate that NEET-UG question papers and answers were provided to around 20 aspirants a day before the exam. This was uncovered following the arrest of 13 individuals, including four examinees and their parents. In Patna, candidates were given the leaked papers at a rented accommodation, leading to multiple arrests and the recovery of partially burned question papers, laptops, and mobile phones.
The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police revealed that brokers involved in the NEET paper leak scam charged between Rs 30 lakh to Rs 50 lakh per medical aspirant. The Bihar Police have arrested over two dozen individuals, including 14 impersonators and several candidates, in connection with the case.
