As the debate surrounding NEET intensifies, the Ministry of Education has taken a significant step by canceling the UGC-NET exam, which was administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), just a day after its completion. Over 9 lakh candidates participated in this crucial exam, which serves to appoint assistant professors in universities and colleges and to determine eligibility for junior research fellowships.
The cancellation announcement sparked immediate criticism from Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who condemned the government’s “laxity” and demanded accountability.
In a detailed statement, the Education Ministry explained that the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) for June, which was held in two shifts on Tuesday in OMR (pen and paper) mode nationwide, faced issues compromising its integrity.
“On 19th June 2024, the University Grants Commission (UGC) received certain inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the examination. These inputs prima facie indicate that the integrity of the aforesaid examination may have been compromised,” the statement read.
The ministry emphasized that the cancellation was necessary “to ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity of the examination process” and assured candidates that a new date for the exam would be announced soon. While there were speculations about a paper leak, the ministry did not confirm these reports, stating only that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) would handle the investigation.
The UGC-NET, conducted twice annually in June and December, plays a pivotal role in the academic and research sectors.
This incident underscores the need for stringent security measures in national examinations to maintain their credibility. Candidates are urged to stay updated with official announcements and prepare for the rescheduled exam.
Stay tuned for further updates and ensure your preparation is continuous.
