Centre opposes scrapping entire NEET-UG 2024 exam, says no proof of large-scale breach of confidentiality | India News

NEW DELHI: The Centre has filed an affidavit with the Supreme Court on Friday, arguing against scrapping an entire NEET UG 2024 examination held on May 5, due to the absence of proof of any large-scale breach of confidentiality. The affidavit states that invalidating the exam would “seriously jeopardise” the efforts of lakhs of honest candidates who appeared in the exam.
“It is also submitted that at the same time, in the absence of any proof of any large-scale breach of confidentiality in a pan-India examination, it would not be rational to scrap the entire examination and the results already declared,” the Centre said.
In its affidavit, the Centre emphasised its commitment to conducting all competitive examinations in a fair and transparent manner. “The Union of India duly appreciates that the confidentiality of the question papers is the utmost priority in any examination and that if, due to some criminality at the behest of some criminal elements, the confidentiality has been breached, the Union of India submits that the said person must be dealt with sternly and with the full force of law to ensure that they are punished,” the affidavit reads.
The government also stressed the need to balance competing rights, mentioning the importance of protecting the interests of the majority of students who did not engage in unfair practices.
“Scrapping the exam in entirety would seriously jeopardise the lakhs of honest candidates who attempted the question paper in 2024,” the Centre added.
The Centre has further stated that the CBI has been tasked with investigating the full range of allegations regarding alleged irregularities, including conspiracy, cheating, impersonation, and breach of trust.

Protests have erupted in several cities over these allegations, leading to political clashes among rival parties.