New Delhi: The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) results have once again sparked controversy as students, parents, and educators express concerns over the examination process and its implications amidst an increasingly bleak job market in India. The announcement of the NEET results on June 4, 2024, has led to a surge of debates on social media platforms and news channels, as candidates noted discrepancies in the scoring system. Some students reportedly scored 718 or 719 out of 720, raising questions about the exam’s fairness.
NEET (UG) – 2024 was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on 5th May at 4750 Centres in 571 cities (including 14 cities abroad) for more than 24 lakh candidates. In light of recent queries raised by the candidates, it has been felt necessary to issue the clarifications: The cutoff scores are determined based on the overall performance of candidates each year. The increase in cutoff reflects the competitive nature of the examination and the higher performance standards achieved by the candidates this year. Cut-offs and average marks of qualified candidates (out of 720) vary each year, said a statement published by the National Testing Agency.
Discrepancies and technical glitches
Multiple students have reported discrepancies in their results, claiming that their scores do not match their expectations based on the answer keys provided by coaching institutes. Technical glitches during the online result declaration process have further fueled these concerns. “My daughter scored well in the mock tests and expected a high score, but her NEET result shows a much lower score. We are seeking a re-evaluation,” said Rajesh Gupta, a distressed parent from Mumbai.
In response, the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts NEET, has issued a statement assuring students that their grievances will be addressed promptly. “We have received several complaints regarding discrepancies in the results. We are currently investigating these claims and will take appropriate action to ensure fairness and transparency,” said an NTA spokesperson.
Broader employment concerns
The controversy over NEET results comes at a time when India is grappling with a severe unemployment crisis. According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), the unemployment rate in India stood at 8.1% in May 2024, with youth unemployment alarmingly high at 24.3%. The situation is particularly dire for medical graduates, many of whom struggle to find suitable employment despite the rigorous academic training.
Policy and structural issues
Experts argue that the NEET controversy and the broader employment issues are symptomatic of deeper structural problems in India’s education and healthcare systems. “The emphasis on competitive exams like NEET creates immense pressure on students, often leading to stress and mental health issues. Moreover, the lack of adequate infrastructure and job opportunities for medical professionals exacerbates the problem,” said Dr. Ramesh Sharma, an education policy analyst.
There is also a growing demand for reforming the NEET examination process to make it more equitable and reflective of students’ true potential. Suggestions include incorporating a continuous assessment system and providing more support for students from economically weaker sections.
NTA Response
In response to the outcry, the NTA clarified that candidates who reported losing time during the exam were awarded grace marks. The agency explained that it had received representations and court cases from candidates citing loss of time during the exam, which led to the decision to award grace marks.
Amidst controversy over NEET-UG 2024 results, health activist Dr. Vivek Pandey files an RTI plea seeking information on grace marks awarded by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The NTA announced that candidates who reported losing time during the exam were compensated with grace marks. However, the medical community remains dissatisfied, and Dr. Pandey seeks details on the total number of students awarded grace marks and the criteria applied. This comes alongside a petition filed in the Supreme Court alleging instances of paper leaks in the NEET-UG examination.
As the NEET result controversy unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic reforms in India’s education and employment sectors. Ensuring fairness in competitive exams and addressing the unemployment crisis are critical steps towards creating a more equitable and prosperous future for India’s youth.
 results have once again sparked controversy as students, parents, and educators express concerns over the examination process and its implications amidst an increasingly bleak job market in India.){kind=link}