No NEET re-test

MANY weeks of student trauma later, the Supreme Court verdict on Tuesday finally shut the door on the NEET controversy with a firm rejection of the demand for a re-exam. While the SC decision to avoid a re-test, considering the disruption it would cause to 24 lakh aspirants, is pragmatic, it also highlights deeper issues within our educational and testing systems. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud’s observation that the leaks did not constitute a ‘systemic breach’ provides temporary relief but does little to address the underlying vulnerabilities. The leaks in Hazaribagh and Patna, as per the evidence presented by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and IIT-Delhi question the integrity of an exam critical for aspiring medical professionals. The court’s reliance on the NTA to address the affected students’ cases reflects a stopgap approach rather than a long-term solution.

The UGC-NET’s cancellation in June further amplifies concerns. The Ministry of Education’s suo motu action based on undisclosed inputs from the Union Home Ministry, while protecting students’ interests, exposes the fragility of our examination infrastructure. The lack of transparency regarding the exact nature of the compromise fuels distrust and anxiety among the student community.

These incidents demand a comprehensive overhaul of the examination and testing framework. The establishment of a high-level committee to review the NTA’s structure, as suggested by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, is a step in the right direction. However, this must be coupled with robust measures to enhance security, transparency and accountability. The recurrent examination scandals not only undermine the credibility of educational institutions but also affect the future of young candidates. In a country striving to harness its demographic dividend, ensuring the sanctity of examinations is non-negotiable. The government must prioritise reforms to restore faith in the system and fulfil the aspirations of the youth.