The Union Education Ministry has canceled the UGC-NET June 2024 exam, held on June 18, citing concerns over the exam’s integrity. This decision, announced on June 19, comes after inputs suggested potential irregularities. The Ministry has handed over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure thorough scrutiny. A fresh date for the retest will be announced soon.

The UGC-NET, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is a crucial exam for determining eligibility for junior research fellowships and appointments as assistant professors in Indian universities. This year, the exam, which saw a record 11 lakh registrations, was held in a pen-and-paper mode, a departure from the previous practice.

The cancellation has led to widespread disappointment and frustration among the aspirants. Many students have expressed their grievances online, criticizing the administration for the mishandling of the exam process. A user on social media questioned the waste of time and money, calling the cancellation a result of “sheer incompetence.”

Political reactions have been swift and sharp. Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, have strongly criticized the Modi government. Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of corruption and laxity, calling the paper leak an “anti-national activity.” Priyanka Gandhi demanded accountability from the government, questioning the Education Minister’s responsibility in this matter.

The Congress party also labeled the Modi administration as a “paper leak government,” accusing it of playing with the future of the youth. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge asked for a discussion on the NEET exam paper leak, calling for accountability from the Prime Minister and the Education Minister.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha linked RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav to the NEET paper leak, demanding a probe into the alleged connections. Sinha claimed that the prime accused in the NEET case was in contact with officials associated with the RJD, intensifying the political blame game.

The Ministry of Education has assured students that their interests will be prioritized. Govind Jaiswal, Joint Secretary of the Ministry, stated that the decision to cancel the exam was proactive to maintain transparency and integrity. The Ministry promises to announce a new date for the retest soon.

Meanwhile, protests have erupted, with AISA members demonstrating outside Shastri Bhawan over NEET and UGC-NET issues. The Ministry has committed to addressing the grievances of the protesting students and has invited a small delegation for discussions.

The cancellation of the UGC-NET exam is a significant setback, impacting over 11 lakh candidates who were eager to qualify for research and teaching positions. The integrity of the NTA, responsible for conducting these exams, is now under scrutiny, with calls for a robust mechanism to prevent future irregularities.

The Ministry’s decision reflects a commitment to ensuring fairness and maintaining the sanctity of the examination process. However, the controversy has highlighted significant gaps in the current system, necessitating urgent reforms to restore trust among students and stakeholders.

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