The Supreme Court of India took up a significant petition today challenging the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) for the year 2024. As such, the present plea is titled and has been filed with a batch of petitioners representing different stakeholders who challenge the conduct of NEET-UG on grounds ranging from logistical issues to equity in the examination process. A staunch bench comprising Chief Justice [], [], and [] today heard heated arguments from the petitioner’s as well as respondent’s sides.
NEET-UG is a highly important examination for medical and dentistry aspirants in their quest to enroll in medical courses across India. The test result forms the basis for admission to the MBBS and BDS courses at government and privately run colleges, respectively. Please scrap NEET 2024. Vis-à-vis calls for reform or scrapping of the exam are going on since its format and timing are debated, along with the psychological toll it takes on the mental health of students. They contended in the hearing that holding NEET-UG in present circumstances will be very inequitable and will put certain students at a disadvantage because of the disturbances in learning since the year began due to the pandemic.
They further pointed out some practical issues with regard to infused and varied access to preparatory material, a delayed academic calendar, and an inequitable vaccination schedule for the students. The counsel appearing for NTA and the Union Government, while vehemently countering the arguments, projected the need and equity in holding NEET-UG as scheduled, stating that NTA had been at length preparing rigorously for the smooth conduct of the examination with COVID-19 safety protocols along with increased centers for the examinations. It was during the hearing of the arguments of both sides that this bench gave thorough scrutiny and deep concern, knowing very well that the pandemic had affected the preparation and mental health of students.
Respondents were asked by judges what alternative measures were used to allay these concerns and ensure a level playing field for all candidates. The plea to cancel NEET-UG 2024 is in the midst of much public debate. Students, parents, and teachers have been giving their views through social media and other platforms. Many stakeholders have turned up in support of these petitioners, drawing everybody’s attention to the fact that students have never faced such unprecedented challenges in such times of uncertainty. Medical colleges and professional bodies have reacted cautiously, pointing to a fair and transparent admission process and acknowledging the exceptional circumstances thrown up by the pandemic.
At the end of the hearing, the Supreme Court reserved the order on the plea seeking quashing of NEET-UG 2024. The country’s millions of students and other stakeholders are keenly awaiting the decision, which will bring clarity regarding this year’s examination. This judgment in this case is sure to have wide ramifications for the way in which NEET-UG and other examinations are conducted in the future, setting a host of valuable precedents regarding how unprecedented situations that affect educational tests in India should be handled. This space shall be updated as and when the SC pronounces its judgment on the said matter.