What IIT Madras Analysis Said About 'Malpractices' In NEET
The Centre informed the Supreme Court in a late-night affidavit filed on Wednesday that an analysis by IIT Madras found no abnormality in the NEET-UG results, despite concerns over a question paper leak. IIT Madras conducted a detailed data analysis for 2023 and 2024 and reported that the marks distribution followed a normal bell curve, indicating no irregularities. The analysis covered the top 1.4 lakh ranks, aligning with the total available seats of around 1.1 lakhs. This comprehensive study, which included city-wise and center-wise performance, revealed no significant abnormalities.
Additionally, according to the IIT Madras analysis, there was no evidence of mass malpractice or localized high scores due to cheating. The overall increase in scores, especially in the 550-720 range, was attributed to a 25% syllabus reduction, the analysis said, and added igh scorers were found to be spread across multiple cities and centers, suggesting minimal likelihood of malpractice.
Earlier, on June 13, the government informed the Supreme Court that 1,563 candidates who received compensatory marks in NEET-UG 2024 would have their scores canceled, with a re-test scheduled for June 23. These candidates, affected by technical issues, had initially received grace marks. They now have the option to take the re-test or retain their original scores without the grace marks.
The controversy began a day before the NEET-UG exam on May 5, when a video claiming a question paper leak surfaced online. Subsequent investigations revealed that at least 20 candidates accessed the paper beforehand. Despite denials from the National Testing Agency (NTA), suspicions arose when 67 candidates scored a perfect 720/720, with eight attending the same coaching center in Haryana. The NTA awarded grace marks to 1,563 students due to issues with a Physics question and loss of time. When offered a re-test, 750 of these students declined. On June 22, NTA Director General Subodh Kumar Singh was dismissed, and a CBI investigation into the NEET-UG 2024 irregularities began. Union Minister Pradhan stated that the paper leak was confined to Bihar, even as arrests were made in Jharkhand.
The government, since the NEET controversy erupted, faced criticism for mismanagement of competitive examinations including NEET UG, UGC NET, CSIR NET and NEET PG. Union Minister Pradhan stated that cancelling NEET-UG would impact many students, whereas the University Grants Commission’s National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) was cancelled immediately after security concerns, affecting over nine lakh candidates.
The executive summary of the data analytics on NEET (UG) by IIT Madras:
- The marks distribution follows the bell-shaped curve that is witnessed in any large-scale examination indicating no abnormality.
- City wise and center wise analysis was done for 2 years (2023 and 2024) to find out if there are any abnormal indications. The Analysis is carried out for the Top 1.4 lakh ranks given that the total number of seats across the country is around 1.1 lakhs.
- This Analysis is granular enough to indicate any abnormality, had a large number of students gotten into high ranks (top 5%), due to malpractice or if students from a particular exam-centre or city were benefitted.
- The analysis shows that there is neither any indication of mass malpractice nor a localized set of candidates being benefitted leading to abnormal scores.
- There is an overall increase in the marks obtained by students, specifically in the range of 550 to 720. This increase is seen across the cities and centres. This is attributed to 25% reduction in syllabus. In addition, candidates obtaining such high marks are spread across multiple cities and multiple centers, indicating very less likelihood of malpractice.
