UGC-NET exam: On Wednesday, the Centre unexpectedly announced the cancellation of the UGC-NET examinations, which were conducted two days earlier, due to potential compromise. The Central Bureau of Investigation will conduct an inquiry into the matter.
What is the UGC NET examination?
The UGC NET, or National Eligibility Test, is a nationwide examination conducted to appoint assistant professors, award junior research fellowships, and facilitate admission to PhD in universities.
10 updates on the postponed UGC-NET exam
1. Following the cancellation of the exam, the Centre cited input from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) as the basis for its decision.
The inputs suggest that the integrity of the aforementioned examination may have been compromised,” the education ministry stated in a press release.
When is the next UGC-NET exam being held?
2. It further stated that new exams will be held, the dates of which will be disclosed individually. The record number of candidates that enrolled for the exam was 1.1 million.
This time, UGC-NET was conducted in a different format.
3. This time, the exam was administered in a novel format—it was given on a single day, using pen and paper. In the past, it was conducted in two shifts using a computer to assess the subject.
NTA is facing intensified scrutiny
4. Amidst the controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 medical entrance exam, the Supreme Court, currently hearing the case, emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to negligence. During Tuesday’s session, the Court urged the Centre and the National Testing Agency to acknowledge any potential errors.
5. Following the exam held on May 5, the results revealed an unprecedented occurrence: 67 students achieved the highest rank, marking a notable moment in the exam’s history.
6. With candidates staging protests across India and the issue turning into a political slugfest between the Opposition and the Center, the Education Ministry informed the Supreme Court on June 10 that the grace marks awarded to more than 1,500 exam takers would be revoked and they would be allowed to reappear.
The new examination is scheduled to take place on June 23rd.
Also Read: PM Modi
The opposition criticizes the Modi government for alleged exam paper leaks
6. Meanwhile, the cancellation of the UGC-NET has intensified the controversy surrounding NEET-UG.
7. Abhi baar paper leak sarkar, quipped Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday in response to the UGC-NET announcement, taking a dig at the Narendra Modi government. “This government’s tenure is short-lived,” he added.
8. Social media platforms were inundated with trending hashtags related to the exam controversy, with public criticism directed at the Centre and the NTA for perceived failures in their responsibilities.
Kharge queries PM Modi’s lack of response
9. Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the Congress, also criticized Prime Minister Modi on X, questioning his lack of response to the problem.
He also asked when the NEET examinations will be cancelled. This is the defeat of the arrogance of the Modi government due to which they made a despicable attempt to trample the future of our youth, he remarked.
10. In addition, he demanded that the Center accept accountability for the NEET-UG “paper leaks.
Opposition blasts Modi government over exam row