The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Junior Doctors Network has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2024. The demand was made in a letter addressed to Pradeep Kumar Joshi, Chairperson of the National Testing Agency (NTA), and also included a request for a re-examination to ensure fairness and transparency in the evaluation process.

Key Concerns Raised by IMA Junior Doctors Network

The IMA Junior Doctors Network highlighted several issues in their letter, including:

• Perfect Scores and Grace Marks: Questions were raised about some students scoring 718 and 719 marks, which the doctors' body described as statistically questionable. Concerns were also voiced regarding the lack of transparency about grace marks, with no list provided detailing the grace marks awarded to students.
• Paper Leaks: The letter cited instances of NEET 2024 paper leaks at various locations and questioned why no action had been taken.
• Discrepancies in Marks: It was noted that many students received different marks on their scorecards compared to their OMR sheets, even in cases where grace marks were not involved.
• Premature Result Declaration: The results were announced on a day when media attention was focused on general election results, which the IMA Junior Doctors Network suggested might indicate an urgency to declare the results prematurely.
• High Cut-off and AIR Increase: The unprecedented rise in cut-off marks and the increase in All India Rank (AIR) for the same scores were also flagged as areas of concern.

Demands and Potential Actions

The IMA Junior Doctors Network has demanded a CBI investigation into these irregularities and called for a re-examination to ensure a fair evaluation for all students. Dr. Indranil Deshmukh, National Convener of the IMA Junior Doctors Network, emphasized that it is nearly impossible for students to score 718-719 marks under the negative marking system.

"If our demands are not fulfilled, the IMA Junior Doctors Network will organize an all-India strike," Dr. Deshmukh warned.

Also Read: NEET 2024: Why Students Are Demanding Re-exam?

Political Response and NTA's Stand

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticized the Modi government over the alleged discrepancies in NEET 2024. She demanded a thorough investigation into the matter and urged the government to address the legitimate complaints of students.

In response to the allegations, the National Testing Agency (NTA) denied any irregularities. The NTA attributed the record results to an easier exam, an increase in registrations, a question with two correct answers, and grace marks due to loss of examination time.

A total of 20.38 lakh students registered for NEET 2024, with 11.45 lakh candidates qualifying. The results, announced on Tuesday, saw 67 students achieving an All India Rank (AIR) 1, including six from a single test center in Haryana.