NEET-UG 2024 Controversy Deepens: Supreme Court Addresses Grace Marks, Alleged Irregularities

The NEET-UG 2024 examination results, declared on June 4th by the National Testing Agency (NTA), have sparked a massive controversy across India. Unprecedentedly high scores, including 67 candidates achieving a perfect 720/720, and allegations of paper leaks in certain centers like Bihar, have led to widespread student protests and legal challenges. A key point of contention is the awarding of 'grace marks' to over 1,500 students for 'loss of time' during the exam, a decision whose methodology has been questioned. Multiple petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court and various High Courts. The Supreme Court, while refusing to halt the counselling process, has issued notices to the NTA and the central government, demanding answers regarding the alleged discrepancies. In response to the grace marks issue, the NTA informed the Supreme Court that they propose to withdraw the grace marks and offer the affected 1,563 candidates an option to either accept their original scores (without grace marks) or appear for a re-examination, tentatively scheduled for June 23rd. The court acknowledged this proposal. However, concerns about the alleged paper leak and the overall sanctity of the examination process remain, with demands for a thorough investigation and potentially a re-exam for all students continuing. The Education Ministry has also sought a detailed report from the NTA on the matter.