NEET verdict: Supreme Court ruling becomes relief for aspirants but drastic change in rank list should be expected

The uncertainty over the results of the All India Medical Entrance Examination that has been going on for more than a month has come to an end with the verdict of the Supreme Court. The matter came before the apex court in the context of widespread complaints about many irregularities, including question paper leakage, in the NEET exam in which more than 23 lakh students appeared. There was also a strong demand to cancel the NEET exam held in the month of May and conduct a re-examination. In any case, the court has considered the matter very seriously and has ruled that there is no need for re-examination. It has been found that there is no basis for the complaint that the question paper was widely leaked. Similarly, allegations of malpractice in examination results are also not substantiated.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud has assessed that a further re-examination will cause many problems as it is an issue affecting the future of over 23 lakh children. After the NEET exam results were released on June 4, there were complaints about question paper leaks and irregularities. Irregularities have mainly been alleged against certain institutions that have made NEET coaching a huge industry. Strong criticism was also raised against the National Testing Agency, which is in charge of conducting the examination. Complaints were also raised that question leaks and irregularities took place in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Gujarat. The CBI, which has taken up the case, has arrested several people, including students studying in higher education institutions, in connection with the interrogation. The CBI had found cases in Bihar, Jharkhand and other places where question papers were purchased for an amount of up to Rs 50 lakh.

It is certain that the verdict of the Supreme Court will bring relief to tens of thousands of children who secured success through hard work. However, the change suggested by the court in the answer to the nineteenth question in the physics section will completely change the rank list released on June 4. Two of the options given for this question were considered equally correct. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that the fourth option should be considered as the right answer, based on the expert advice of Delhi IIT. Due to this, more than four lakh students who had written the wrong answer will lose five marks. Due to this, there will be a drastic change in the rank list. The difference in rank resulting from a drop of five marks in the score will adversely affect the chances of admission for many children.

The schedules can be met only if the rank list is rearranged and the counselling starts as soon as possible. It can be hoped that the National Testing Agency and the Indian Medical Council will make the arrangements in time. A uniform system of entrance examination was introduced to be applicable to the whole country with the aim of completely preventing irregularities in medical admissions. The credibility and transparency of large-scale exams like this, where lakhs of children appear, should not be compromised. Not only the NTA and the Medical Council, but the central government also has a huge responsibility to ensure that. The high-profile allegations and attempts made for political gain in this regard must also be condemned.