NTA for re-test in NEET grace mark controversy, report to be submitted soon

NEW DELHI: It is reported that the National Testing Agency (NTA) is planning to conduct a retest for those who got grace marks in the NEET UG irregularity controversy. A four-member committee appointed by the Ministry of Education to investigate the incident looked into the possibility of a retest.

A four-member committee chaired by the former chairman of UPSE examined the possibility of re-examination for 1563 candidates who got grace marks. The committee has been directed to submit the report within two days. The panel will also investigate whether there was any irregularity in awarding grace marks. It is reported that the committee has held three meetings so far and also examined the video footage of some centers.

The Supreme Court had the other day observed that the NEET UG irregularity controversy had affected the sanctity of the examination. This is not a trivial issue. A vacation bench comprising of Justices Vikram Nath and Ahsanuddin Amanullah said the National Testing Agency, which conducted the examination, should reply. The reply must be submitted by July 8, when the court opens after the mid-summer break. Will consider again on July 8. Has ordered to send notices to the central government as well. The court’s observation was while considering the mass pleas filed demanding that the examination be canceled and re-conducted due to the leak of the question paper.

The pleas came even before the exam results were announced. When the results were published, the grace mark controversy also arose. Pleas were submitted by many including the MSF. The doubt was raised on the grace marks of 1563 students. The pleas alleged that grace marks were given without following any criteria. The officials explained that grace marks were given in six centers due to the delay in issuing OMR sheets.