NEET-NET row: Govt forms high-level panel headed by ex-ISRO chief to ensure fair conduct of exams

The committee will make recommendations on reform in the mechanism of examination process, improvement in data security protocols and structure and functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Members of various student unions take part in a protest rally over the alleged irregularities in NEET 2024 exam results, in Hyderabad. (PTI Photo)

Under the scanner for the cancellation of UGC NET and facing criticism over the alleged paper leak of NEET UG 2024, the Ministry of Education on Saturday announced the constitution of a high-level committee of experts, headed by former ISRO chairman Dr. K Radhakrishnan, to ensure transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations.

The seven-member committee will make recommendations on reform in the mechanism of examination process, improvement in data security protocols and structure and functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Central University of Hyderabad Vice-Chancellor Professor B J Rao and former director of AIIMS Delhi Randeep Guleria are also on the panel. The committee will submit its report to the Education ministry within two months.

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Saturday’s development comes a day after the Centre Friday notified a stringent law that aims to curb malpractices and irregularities in competitive examinations.

The law which came into force from Friday night (June 21) is said to entail provisions for a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore for offenders.

Also Read | NEET UG, UGC NET 2024 Row: Pradhan admits ‘UGC NET’ question paper circulated on Telegram, orders high-level panel

“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 (1 of 2024), the Central Government hereby appoints the 21st day of June, 2024, as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force,” reads the notification by the Personnel Ministry.

The Act also has provisions for a minimum of three to five years of imprisonment to curb cheating. Those involved in organised crimes of cheating will face five to 10 years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.

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The move assumes significance amid a raging row over the cancellation of the 2024 University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET), following prima facie indications that the integrity of the exam may have been compromised. It was cancelled just a day after over 9 lakh candidates appeared for it across 317 cities.

This also became the first centrally-conducted public examination to be scrapped after the Centre introduced a new anti-paper leak law.

Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against unknown persons for “compromising the integrity” of the UGC-NET exam conducted on June 18.

After the NEET and UGC-NET exams, the CSIR-UGC NET exam is the latest to be hit by claims of paper leaks.

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