At a time when the students and opposition parties are slamming the Government of India over the alleged NEET Scam, the Education Ministry on Wednesday night announced cancellation of the UGC-NET 2024 exams. UGC-NET Exams 2024 took place on June 18th, 2024 in two shifts across different cities of the country. However, on June 19- 2024 UGC-NET Exams were cancelled by the Government of India. For those who are unaware, NET exams are taken for candidates becoming professors and applied junior research fellowships. NET is totally different than NEET. NEET are mainly for becoming a doctor. Now, the question arises why did NTA cancel UGC-NET 2024? Below is what we know so far-
UGC-NET 2024 exam cancellation reason
As per the official release, on 19th June, 2024, the University Grants Commission (UGC) received certain inputs from National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs on the Examination. These inputs prima facie indicate that the integrity of the UGC-NET 2024 examination may have been compromised.
"To ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity of the examination process, the Ministry of Education, Government of India has decided that the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination be cancelled," states the official release adding, "A fresh examination shall be conducted, for which information shall be shared separately. Simultaneously, the matter is being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (C.B.I.) for thorough investigation in the matter."
Oppositions' uproar after NET cancellation
The Opposition on Wednesday demanded the BJP-led NDA government to cancel the NEET-UG 2024 examination after the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled UGC-NET exam due to fear of irregularities. Slamming PM Modi, Congress Mallikarjun Kharge wrote-
"You do "Pariksha Par Charcha" a lot, when will you "discuss NEET exam"? Cancellation of UGC-NET exam is a victory of the spirit of millions of students. This is the defeat of the arrogance of the Modi government due to which they made a despicable attempt to trample the future of our youth. The Union Education Minister had earlier said that no paper was leaked in NEET. When arrests are made of education mafia in Bihar, Gujarat and Haryana, the Education Minister accepts that some scam has taken place! When will the NEET exam be cancelled? Modi Ji, please take the responsibility & stop your government from rigging and paper leak in NEET exam too! (Translated version)."
NEET 2024 Update
The Government in its release also addressed NEET 2024 alleged scam. The Education Ministry said that the issue related to grace marks has already been fully addressed. As regards certain irregularities alleged in the conduct of the examination in Patna, a detailed report has been sought from the Economic Offences Unit, Bihar Police. Government will take further action, on receipt of this report. Government is committed to ensure the sanctity of examinations and protect the interest of students. It is reiterated that any individual/organization found to be involved in this matter will face strictest action.