In a twisted turn of events, the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) 2024 was cancelled within a day of being conducted successfully, on the doubts of possible “violations of integrity”. When the National Testing Agency (NTA), in charge of overseeing the exam, expressed concerns about the integrity of the examination process, the Ministry of Education authorised a Central Bureau of probe (CBI) probe into the matter. The UGC-NET was held on June 18 this year ,across 1205 centres around the country, with more than 11 lakh aspirants appearing for the exam. This year’s exam was designed to evaluate candidates for eligibility as Junior Research Fellows or Assistant Professors. However, instead of using the standard Computer Based Test (CBT) mode, it was shockingly administered using a classic pen and paper format.
This incident comes immediately on the verge of the NEET-UG 2024 test scandals, which included concerns about the validity of the results and claims of paper leaks. The way the administration has handled these problems has angered the public and led to calls for responsibility.Thus, in response to claims of paper leaks, the Supreme Court will consider new petitions asking for the cancellation of the UGC-NEET exam today.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center’s National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit identified possible threats to the integrity of the exam, thereby prompting the Ministry of Education to take action.
In the face of growing controversy, the Union ministry of education has acted by cancelling the UGC-NET because of possible “integrity violations” and announced that there will soon be information on a new exam. Meanwhile, students are becoming more vocal and demanding that Dharmendra Pradhan, the minister of education, must step down and the NTA be dissolved.
The Ministry declared that a new UGC-NET exam would be held in due course and underlined in an official statement its dedication to openness and the integrity of exams. Concurrently, a thorough inquiry into the purported irregularities has been assigned to the Central Board of Investigation. Affirming its commitment to maintaining the integrity of India’s academic evaluation processes, the Ministry of Education has promised severe action against any person or organisation found to be at fault.
A major blow to aspirant scholars nationwide, the UGC-NET exam cancellation highlights the urgent need for changes to the examination administration and security procedures. It is anticipated that this episode will have a ripple effect on the education community, prompting inquiries about the validity and impartiality of high-stakes exams in India.
Despite strong protests from students, parents, and politicians, the Education Minister is under fire for not cancelling the UG NEET and UG NET tests. Critics claim that by ignoring heat waves and red alert challenges, the choice of holding the examination in such a scenario exacerbates student anxiety.
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