National Testing Agency Under Fire UGC NET Cancelled Amid Integrity Concerns, NEET UG Scrutiny Intensifies.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) of India continues to be at the center of a significant controversy. The Ministry of Education has announced the cancellation of the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) examination following inputs from the Ministry of Home Affairs, indicating that the integrity of the examination was compromised. The NTA, already under scrutiny for irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical and allied courses, faces increasing criticism.

The UGC NET, conducted biannually in June and December, faced issues this year. The exams, held in two shifts across various cities on June 18, saw the participation of over 900,000 candidates. These exams are crucial for determining eligibility for assistant professor posts in universities and colleges and for junior research fellowships.

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Traditionally held in a computer-based format since December 2018, the NTA reverted to a pen-and-paper format this year. To maintain the highest standards of transparency and integrity, the Ministry of Education decided to cancel the June 2024 examination, promising to reschedule it at a later date. The Central Bureau of Investigation has been tasked with further inquiry into the matter.

As the UGC NET faces cancellation, questions arise regarding the NEET UG examination, which has not yet been canceled despite allegations of paper leaks and grace marks awarded to over 1,500 students. The Supreme Court of India is set to hear petitions on Thursday calling for the cancellation of the NEET UG examination amid these allegations. In light of these issues, students plan to protest in front of the Ministry of Education on Thursday, demanding the resignation of the Education Minister and the UGC chairperson.

Reporting from a hostel at Lucknow University, where about 180 students reside, only 30 to 35 remained to take the NTA examination, which was ultimately canceled. Students shared their frustrations and grievances, highlighting the impact on their mental health and preparation efforts.

Nikhil, a student who took the NEET exam, expressed his discontent with the entire process, mentioning the challenges faced due to the distant examination centers and the extreme heat in Lucknow. The lack of adequate security checks and proper arrangements at the exam centers added to their difficulties. He noted that many students were already anticipating a significant decision about the examination’s validity.

Another student, who fell ill due to the intense heat after giving the exam, described the inadequate arrangements at the exam center, including insufficient water and non-functional fans. The transportation issues further complicated their situation, as many had to travel considerable distances, often requiring multiple auto-rickshaw changes.

The psychological toll on students was evident. Many of them, aged around 24-25, face significant pressure from their families. One student recited a poignant quote from Adam Gondvi, reflecting the collective despair and disappointment among the students. They criticized the government for its failure and called for accountability from the NTA chairman and the Education Minister.

In summary, the controversy surrounding the NTA has deeply affected students, both mentally and financially. The cancellation of the UGC NET and the ongoing issues with NEET UG examinations have led to widespread frustration and calls for systemic changes to ensure the integrity and fairness of these crucial exams.