New Delhi,June 23: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR concerning alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduates (NEET-UG), held on May 5, reports media. This move follows the Centre’s announcement to hand over the probe to the CBI.
According to officials, the CBI has initiated a fresh case against unidentified individuals based on a reference from the Union Ministry of Education, as reported by PTI. This year, more than 24 lakh candidates appeared for NEET-UG, which serves as the gateway for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate medical courses.
The Ministry of Education decided to involve the CBI after numerous students protested in several cities, demanding an investigation into the alleged malpractices. “Certain cases of alleged irregularities, cheating, impersonation, and malpractice have been reported in NEET-UG conducted on May 5,” stated a senior official from the education ministry. “For transparency in the examination process, it was decided after a review that the matter be handed over to the CBI for a comprehensive investigation,” the official added.
The Union Education Minister assured students that the government is committed to protecting their interests and addressing all concerns with fairness and equity. Meanwhile, the Congress party criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the issue, asserting that only a Supreme Court-monitored forensic probe can ensure the future of the affected students.
Amid these allegations, the Union Health Ministry postponed the Sunday NEET-Post Graduate (PG) exams. Approximately 2 lakh MBBS graduates take this exam annually for around 52,000 postgraduate seats nationwide. “This decision has been taken in the best interests of the students and to maintain the sanctity of the examination process. Fresh dates will be announced at the earliest,” the ministry stated.
The Supreme Court has issued a notice on petitions seeking a CBI investigation into the alleged malpractices in NEET-UG 2024. These petitions, which also demand a re-exam after cancelling the current exam and its results, are scheduled for hearing on July 8. Additionally, the Bihar police are investigating an alleged paper leak case in Patna. In a related development, the government has replaced the NTA head, indicating a shake-up amid the ongoing controversy.