NEET paper leak: 'NTA officials won’t be spared if found guilty, re-test on June 23'

Amid the raging controversy and outrage by students over NEET-UG 2024 results, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday flagged the irregularities and warned of strict action against those found guilty. Reiterating PM Modi government’s commitment to accountability and fairness, he said that even if big National Testing Agency (NTA) officials are found guilty, they won’t be spared.

“On the recommendations of the Supreme Court, the order has been given for a re-test of 1563 candidates in six centres. Some irregularities have come to light in two exam centres. I assure students and parents that the government has taken this seriously,” he said.

“Our government is concerned and no culprit will be spared, they will get the harshest punishment. We are committed to ensuring that no wrongdoer escapes punishment,” he added. He also revealed that the NTA requires a lot of improvement.

#WATCH | Sambalpur, Odisha: On the NEET issue, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan says, "On the recommendations of Supreme Court, the order has been given for re-test of 1,563 candidates...Some irregularities have come to light in two places. I assure students and… pic.twitter.com/yrdvdAcn4g

— ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2024

Worth mentioning, hundreds of students are currently protesting across the country demanding re-tests due to alleged paper leaks and the allocation of grace marks to students after 67 students scored a perfect 720.

After the Supreme Court’s order, the NTA has withdrawn grace marks awarded to all 1563 students. The re-test of the students will be held on June 23 and the results will be declared on June 30.