New Delhi, June 22: The Supreme Court of India has refused to delay the counselling process for the NEET-UG 2024 examination, despite ongoing controversies surrounding the exam held on May 5. The counselling is set to begin on July 6, while a petition seeking the exam’s cancellation over alleged irregularities will be heard on July 8.
A vacation bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti issued notices to the National Testing Agency (NTA), the Centre, and others involved, instructing them to respond to the allegations within two weeks. Petitioners had requested a brief pause in the counselling process, arguing that the Supreme Court’s hearing on July 8 could impact its proceedings. However, the court maintained that the counselling process could commence as scheduled and continue without delay.
The court also addressed concerns about a re-test scheduled for June 23, meant for candidates affected by the initial irregularities. The NTA’s handling of this re-test and other related issues will be scrutinized during the July 8 hearing.
Previously, on June 13, the Centre announced the cancellation of grace marks awarded to 1,563 candidates, offering them the option to re-test on June 23 instead. Allegations of unfair practices and irregularities in the May 5 exam have led to widespread protests and political disputes, especially following reports that 67 students scored a perfect 720, an unprecedented occurrence.
The NEET-UG examination, conducted by the NTA, is crucial for admissions to various medical courses across India. This year’s examination saw participation from approximately 24 lakh candidates across 4,750 centers.
