Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan refuted claims of paper leaks and rigging in the NEET-UG medical entrance exam, accusing the Congress of disseminating misinformation.
He emphasized that no substantial evidence of misconduct has been uncovered, and all relevant details are currently under Supreme Court review. Pradhan criticized the political manipulation surrounding this issue, stating it adversely impacts students’ mental well-being.
On the same day, the Supreme Court agreed to the government’s proposal for a retest for 1,563 students who received grace marks due to exam interruptions. Students who choose not to retake the exam will have their original scores considered. The retest, recommended by a four-member committee, is scheduled for June 23.
Earlier, the Congress had called for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the NEET-UG exam, citing widespread dissatisfaction and potential reverberations in Parliament. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge alleged paper leaks, corruption, and rigging, claiming these issues jeopardize the futures of 2.4 million NEET examinees.
In response, Pradhan accused the Congress of exploiting students’ futures for political gain. He noted the central government’s enactment of the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act to prevent such malpractices, asserting that any found violations would be dealt with rigorously under this law.
