Sweeping policy decisions, controversies that reshaped India’s education sector in 2024

Set to launch on January 1, 2025, ONOS will consolidate journal access for state and central government institutions, fostering a uniform academic environment. By simplifying access to critical resources, the scheme aspires to elevate research output and academic excellence across India.

NEET-UG 2024: Controversy and accountability

The year’s most contentious issue arose from allegations of irregularities during the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) (NEET-UG), the gateway to India’s medical colleges. Held on May 5, the examination was marred by claims of question paper leaks and malpractice. Social media was rife with accusations, prompting swift denials from the National Testing Agency (NTA). However, arrests in Bihar and Gujarat corroborated concerns.

In Bihar, 13 individuals, including four examinees, were detained for allegedly paying exorbitant sums to access the question paper in advance. Meanwhile, a raid in Godhra uncovered a teacher facilitating cheating at an exam centre, leading to multiple arrests and a subsequent CBI investigation. The controversy deepened when the NTA’s decision to award grace marks to 1,563 students sparked criticism. Although Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan dismissed allegations of corruption, the incident raised questions about the integrity of national examinations.

CUET revamp: Streamlining admissions

Another major reform came in the form of changes to the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate admissions. Responding to feedback and logistical challenges from previous years, the University Grants Commission (UGC) announced that the 2025 CUET-UG will be entirely computer-based. Additionally, the number of subjects offered will be reduced from 63 to 37, with admissions for dropped subjects relying on a General Aptitude Test (GAT).

“We aim to provide a more efficient and student-friendly examination process,” said UGC Chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar. An expert panel’s recommendations, which addressed test structure, duration, syllabus alignment, and operational logistics, shaped these changes. The reforms reflect an effort to ensure fairness and accessibility in university admissions, streamlining the process for millions of aspirants.

JNU’s admission exam debate

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) faced its own challenges this year. After the UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) was cancelled in June over concerns about compromised integrity, JNU proposed a return to in-house PhD entrance exams. However, the plan has stalled due to a lack of consensus among school deans and faculty members.

While faculty claim they submitted written feedback over a month ago, university officials state no formal responses have been received. This impasse underscores the broader uncertainty surrounding PhD admissions in the wake of the cancellation of NET, which had long served as a critical qualifier for teaching and research positions.

Scrapping the no-detention policy

In a landmark decision, the Central government scrapped the no-detention policy for students in classes 5 and 8 in schools under its jurisdiction. This policy reversal impacts approximately 3,000 institutions, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Sainik Schools, and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRs).

The move follows a 2019 amendment to the Right to Education Act, 2009 which allowed states and Union Territories to decide on retaining students in these grades. With 18 states and UTs having already abolished the no-detention policy, the Ministry of Education’s recent notification aligns Central schools with this trend. Proponents argue that the decision will improve academic rigor and accountability, though critics warn it may exacerbate dropout rates.