World
NEET-UG 2024 SC hearing highlights: Supreme Court seeks IIT Delhi expert review on question-related to an atom
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court hearing on NEET-UG 2024 irregularities continued today, building on previous sessions held on July 18 and July 11. The proceedings delved into the complexities surrounding the alleged question paper leaks, distribution errors, and the impact of these issues on the exam’s integrity. With multiple petitioners presenting their cases, the hearing addressed various facets of the controversy, including systemic failures, grace marks, and the contentious nature of specific exam questions.
Expert Panel from IIT Delhi
The Supreme Court has requested the Director of IIT Delhi to form a team of three experts to review a contentious question from the NEET-UG 2024 exam.This question, related to an “atom” and its characteristics, had two possible correct answers based on different editions of NCERT textbooks. The petitioners argued that awarding marks for either answer skewed the merit list. The experts are expected to provide their findings by Tuesday noon.
Petitioners’ Claims of Systemic Failure
During the hearing, petitioners were urged to demonstrate a widespread systemic failure in the exam’s administration. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud emphasized the need for concrete data to prove that the paper leak extended beyond isolated incidents in Patna and Hazaribagh. This was crucial to support the argument for a nationwide retest.
Distribution Errors and Grace Marks
The Court scrutinized the NTA’s handling of distribution errors, particularly in Haryana’s Jhajjar, where incorrect question papers were given out. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta explained that grace marks and additional time were granted to affected students. The Court requested detailed data on the number of students impacted and the measures taken to rectify the errors.
Controversy over Additional Registration Window
Objections were raised against the NTA’s decision to open a 24-hour registration window on April 9, allowing an additional 24,000 students to sign up for the exam. Petitioners argued that this undermined the fairness of the process, as it gave an undue advantage to those who missed the original deadline.
Question with Ambiguous Options
A petitioner who scored 711 marks challenged a question with ambiguous options. According to the petitioner, one option was correct as per the old NCERT edition and another as per the latest edition. The petitioner chose not to answer due to the ambiguity and the negative marking system. The petitioner argued that if marks were awarded correctly, she would rank significantly higher. The Court referenced the Kanpur University v. Samir Gupta judgment, suggesting that ambiguous questions should be deleted from the evaluation.
Soliciting Inputs via Email
The Chief Justice invited those seeking a retest to email their arguments to the court master by the evening. This opportunity was not extended to those who had already presented their cases in court. This step aimed to ensure that all relevant perspectives were considered before making a final decision.
Scheduled Continuation
The hearing is set to resume on Tuesday, with the NTA and the Centre expected to make further submissions. The Court is keen on concluding the arguments promptly and reaching a resolution that addresses the concerns raised by the petitioners while maintaining the examination’s integrity.
Multiple Pleas and NTA Transfer Requests
Over 40 pleas, including those by the NTA, sought to transfer cases pending in various high courts to the Supreme Court to avoid litigation multiplicity. More than 23.33 lakh students appeared for NEET-UG 2024 on May 5, at 4,750 centres in 571 cities, including 14 overseas locations. The exam is conducted for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and related courses in government and private institutions across India.
Expert Panel from IIT Delhi
The Supreme Court has requested the Director of IIT Delhi to form a team of three experts to review a contentious question from the NEET-UG 2024 exam.This question, related to an “atom” and its characteristics, had two possible correct answers based on different editions of NCERT textbooks. The petitioners argued that awarding marks for either answer skewed the merit list. The experts are expected to provide their findings by Tuesday noon.
Petitioners’ Claims of Systemic Failure
During the hearing, petitioners were urged to demonstrate a widespread systemic failure in the exam’s administration. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud emphasized the need for concrete data to prove that the paper leak extended beyond isolated incidents in Patna and Hazaribagh. This was crucial to support the argument for a nationwide retest.
Distribution Errors and Grace Marks
The Court scrutinized the NTA’s handling of distribution errors, particularly in Haryana’s Jhajjar, where incorrect question papers were given out. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta explained that grace marks and additional time were granted to affected students. The Court requested detailed data on the number of students impacted and the measures taken to rectify the errors.
Controversy over Additional Registration Window
Objections were raised against the NTA’s decision to open a 24-hour registration window on April 9, allowing an additional 24,000 students to sign up for the exam. Petitioners argued that this undermined the fairness of the process, as it gave an undue advantage to those who missed the original deadline.
Question with Ambiguous Options
A petitioner who scored 711 marks challenged a question with ambiguous options. According to the petitioner, one option was correct as per the old NCERT edition and another as per the latest edition. The petitioner chose not to answer due to the ambiguity and the negative marking system. The petitioner argued that if marks were awarded correctly, she would rank significantly higher. The Court referenced the Kanpur University v. Samir Gupta judgment, suggesting that ambiguous questions should be deleted from the evaluation.
Soliciting Inputs via Email
The Chief Justice invited those seeking a retest to email their arguments to the court master by the evening. This opportunity was not extended to those who had already presented their cases in court. This step aimed to ensure that all relevant perspectives were considered before making a final decision.
Scheduled Continuation
The hearing is set to resume on Tuesday, with the NTA and the Centre expected to make further submissions. The Court is keen on concluding the arguments promptly and reaching a resolution that addresses the concerns raised by the petitioners while maintaining the examination’s integrity.
Multiple Pleas and NTA Transfer Requests
Over 40 pleas, including those by the NTA, sought to transfer cases pending in various high courts to the Supreme Court to avoid litigation multiplicity. More than 23.33 lakh students appeared for NEET-UG 2024 on May 5, at 4,750 centres in 571 cities, including 14 overseas locations. The exam is conducted for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and related courses in government and private institutions across India.
