NEET 2024 Results Controversy: NTA Justifies Scores Amid Student Outrage
Introduction
The NEET UG 2024 results have sparked nationwide controversy, with the National Testing Agency (NTA) coming under scrutiny for the unusually high scores achieved by numerous candidates. In particular, scores of 718 and 719 out of 720 have raised eyebrows, prompting the NTA to release an explanation. This blog delves into the details of the controversy, the NTA’s justification, and the marking scheme of NEET UG 2024.
The Controversy
The NEET UG 2024 results, announced on June 4, were met with immediate concern from medical aspirants and educators alike. The primary issue was the unprecedented number of candidates scoring perfect or near-perfect marks. This year, 67 students achieved a perfect score of 720/720, sharing the All India Rank 1.
However, the focus of the controversy centered around candidates scoring 718 and 719 marks. Given the strict marking scheme of NEET, these scores seemed implausible to many, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and calls for transparency.
NTA’s Justification
On June 8, the NTA addressed the issue by explaining the allocation of compensatory marks. According to the NTA, a committee of experts was formed to assess grievances related to inadequate time allocation and other issues. The committee determined that some candidates experienced time losses and awarded compensatory marks accordingly. This adjustment accounted for the scores of 718 and 719.
The NTA also pointed out that the number of candidates appearing for NEET 2024 increased by nearly 300,000 compared to the previous year. This larger pool of candidates naturally resulted in a broader distribution of higher scores. Additionally, the NTA described the 2024 NEET exam as “comparatively easier” than in past years, contributing to the higher scores.
NEET UG 2024 Marking Scheme
Understanding the NEET UG 2024 marking scheme is crucial to contextualizing the controversy. The exam consists of 180 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) across four subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, and Botany. Each subject has 50 questions, but only a maximum of 45 questions are considered for evaluation.
The marking scheme is as follows:
- Correct Answer: +4 marks
- Incorrect Answer: -1 mark
- Unanswered Question: 0 marks
In cases where multiple options are correct, candidates who select any of the correct options receive four marks. If all options are correct, all attempts are awarded four marks.
Public Reaction and Legal Challenges
The announcement of the results led to immediate backlash, with petitions filed in various High Courts and a plea submitted to the Supreme Court for re-evaluation of the exam due to alleged question paper leaks. The dissatisfaction among aspirants highlights the critical need for transparency and fairness in competitive exams like NEET.
Conclusion
The NEET UG 2024 results controversy underscores the complexities of conducting and evaluating a high-stakes exam with such a large candidate pool. As the NTA continues to justify the results, the focus remains on ensuring fairness and maintaining the integrity of the examination process. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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