The minister of education has announced the cancellation of UGC NET examination held recently. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination in OMR (pen and paper) mode on June 18, 2024 in two shifts across different cities of the country.

The latest announcement is going to cause further embarrassment for the government and its NTA as they have been already under scrutiny for the mismanagement of the national level medical entrance examination NEET.

On 19th June, 2024, according to a statement from education ministry, the University Grants Commission (UGC) received certain inputs from National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs on the examination. “These inputs prima-facie indicate that the integrity of the aforesaid examination may have been compromised,” the statement added.

CBI Investigation

To ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity of the examination process, the ministry said that it has decided that the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination be cancelled. “A fresh examination shall be conducted, for which information shall be shared separately. Simultaneously, the matter is being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (C.B.I.) for thorough investigation in the matter,” the statement added.

On NEET irregularities

In the matter pertaining to the NEET examination-2024, the ministry adeed that the issue related to grace marks has already been fully addressed.

Regarding the irregularities alleged in the conduct of the examination in Patna, the ministry has asked for a detailed report from the Economic Offences Unit, Bihar Police, and assured further action on receipt of this report.

“Government is committed to ensure the sanctity of examinations and protect the interest of students. It is reiterated that any individual/organization found to be involved in this matter will face strictest action,” the statement said.