Even because the controversy over NEET threatens to succeed in a boiling level, the Ministry of Schooling has has cancelled the UGC-NET examination, performed by the Nationwide Testing Company, only a day after it was held. Over 9 lakh candidates had appeared for the examination, which is held for Assistant Professor posts in universities and schools and to find out eligibility for junior analysis fellowships. 

The announcement triggered a right away response from Congress chief Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who known as out the federal government for its “laxity” and demanded that accountability be mounted.

In a press release, the Schooling Ministry stated the June examination of the College Grants Fee-Nationwide Eligibility Check (UGC-NET) was performed on Tuesday in OMR (pen and paper) mode in two shifts throughout the nation.

“On nineteenth June, 2024, the College Grants Fee (UGC) acquired sure inputs from Nationwide Cyber Crime Menace Analytics Unit of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) underneath the Ministry of Residence Affairs on the Examination. These inputs prima facie point out that the integrity of the aforesaid examination might have been compromised,” it stated. 

The ministry stated it was saying the cancellation of the June 2024 examination “to make sure the best stage of transparency and sanctity of the examination course of” and that will probably be held afresh at a date which will likely be shared later. 

There have been stories of the paper of the examination being leaked, however this was not confirmed by the ministry. It stated solely that the matter has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation for investigation. 

The UGC-NET is performed twice yearly, in June and December. 

On Tuesday, UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar had posted on X, “In the present day, NTA has efficiently performed UGC – NET June 2024 for figuring out the eligible candidates for (i) ‘award of Junior Analysis Fellowship and appointment as Assistant Professor’, (ii) ‘appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D.’ and (iii) ‘admission to Ph.D. solely’ in 83 topics in OMR (Pen and Paper) mode in two (02) completely different shifts (09:30 AM to 12:30 Midday and 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM).”

“The examination has been performed at 1,205 Examination Centres in 317 cities throughout the nation for 11,21,225 candidates. Out of the full registered candidates, about 81% candidates appeared for the examination. Finest needs to all of the candidates,” he had written.

NEET Row

Almost 24 lakh college students had appeared for the NEET-UG 2024 for undergraduate medical programs, which can also be performed by the Nationwide Testing Company (NTA), on Might 5. The outcomes have been introduced on June 4, 10 days earlier than schedule, however allegations of a query paper leak and style marks to over 1,500 college students triggered protests. Circumstances have been additionally filed in courts, together with the Supreme Courtroom, which has come down closely on the NTA.

On NEET, the ministry’s assertion stated, “The difficulty associated to grace marks has already been absolutely addressed. As regards sure irregularities alleged within the conduct of the examination in Patna, an in depth report has been sought from the Financial Offences Unit, Bihar Police. Authorities will take additional motion, on receipt of this report.”

“Authorities is dedicated to make sure the sanctity of examinations and defend the curiosity of scholars. It’s reiterated that any particular person/organisation discovered to be concerned on this matter will face strictest motion,” it added.