In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India is currently hearing a plea to cancel the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2024.In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India is currently hearing a plea to cancel the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2024. This examination, which is crucial for medical aspirants across the country, has been a topic of intense debate and scrutiny. The petitioners have raised several concerns regarding the fairness, transparency, and preparedness for this year’s examination. Here are the live updates from the ongoing hearing.

Background

NEET-UG is a nationwide entrance examination conducted for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate medical courses in India. It is a highly competitive exam that determines admissions to MBBS, BDS, and other medical programs in various colleges and universities across the country. Given its importance, any decision regarding its conduct has far-reaching implications for thousands of students.

Key Concerns Raised by Petitioners

1. Fairness and Transparency The petitioners argue that the examination process lacks transparency, with issues such as question paper leaks and discrepancies in the evaluation process undermining the credibility of the exam.

2. Pandemic ImpactThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the educational ecosystem, causing significant learning losses and mental stress among students. Petitioners contend that conducting the exam under such circumstances would be unfair.

3.Technical Glitches Past instances of technical glitches during online examinations have raised concerns about the preparedness and reliability of the digital infrastructure.

4. Alternative Assessment Methods The petitioners have proposed alternative methods of assessment, such as internal evaluations or cumulative academic performance, to ensure a fair and equitable selection process.Supreme Court’s Stance and Queries

During the hearing, the Supreme Court bench, comprising Justice A.B. Chauhan and Justice N.S. Gupta, posed several critical questions to both the petitioners and the respondents, representing the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Union Ministry of Education.

1. Exam Security The bench inquired about the measures taken by the NTA to ensure the security and integrity of the examination process.

2. Student Safety The court sought detailed plans on how the safety and health of students would be prioritized during the pandemic, especially in light of the new variants of the virus.

3 . Alternatives to NEET-UG The judges questioned the feasibility and preparedness of alternative assessment methods proposed by the petitioners, emphasizing the need for a robust and unbiased evaluation system.

Responses from NTA and Ministry of Education

The NTA and the Ministry of Education have defended the decision to conduct NEET-UG 2024, highlighting the following points:

1. Stringent Security Measures They assured the court that stringent measures are in place to prevent any malpractices, including advanced monitoring systems and secure exam centers.

2. Health Protocols Detailed health protocols and guidelines have been prepared to ensure the safety of students, including social distancing norms, sanitization of exam centers, and availability of medical assistance.

3. Commitment to Fairness The respondents emphasized their commitment to maintaining the fairness and integrity of the examination process, citing past successful conduct of NEET-UG even during challenging times.

Student Reactions and Public Opinion

The hearing has garnered widespread attention, with students, parents, and educators eagerly awaiting the outcome. While some students support the plea, citing the undue stress and risks involved, others are in favor of proceeding with the exam to avoid further delays in their academic and professional careers.

As the Supreme Court deliberates on this crucial matter, the future of thousands of medical aspirants hangs in the balance. The court’s decision will not only impact the immediate conduct of NEET-UG 2024 but also set a precedent for handling such examinations in extraordinary circumstances. Stay tuned for further updates as the hearing progresses.

Live Updates

1. 10:00 AM Hearing commences with arguments from the petitioners.
2. 10:30 AM Petitioners highlight the impact of the pandemic on student preparedness.
3. 11:00 AM Respondents present their case, defending the security and fairness of the exam.
4. 11:30 AM Supreme Court bench poses critical questions on safety protocols.
5. 12:00 PM Break in hearing, to resume post-lunch session.

Stay tuned for more live updates as the hearing unfolds.