Centre tells SC not rational to conduct NEET-UG re-exam, says 'no proof of large-scale irregularities'

Amidst the controversy over the NEET paper leak, the central government informed the Supreme Court on the 5th of July that it would not be rational to scrap the medical entrance examination and hold a re-test.

In an affidavit, the government affirmed that there were no large-scale irregularities in the exam.

The government further said that cancelling the exam would jeopardise the future of lakhs of students who attempted the exam with honesty.

“Scrapping exam in entirety would jeopardise lakhs of honest candidates,” it said in the affidavit.

The Centre has further stated that the CBI has been tasked with investigating the full range of allegations regarding alleged irregularities, including conspiracy, cheating, impersonation, and breach of trust.

"The Union of India duly appreciates that the confidentiality of the question papers is the utmost priority in any examination and that if, due to some criminality at the behest of some criminal elements, the confidentiality has been breached, the Union of India submits that the said person must be dealt with sternly and with the full force of law to ensure that they are punished," the affidavit said.

The top court is scheduled to hear on July 8 a batch of pleas, including those alleging irregularities in the examination held on May 5 and seeking a direction that it be conducted afresh.

Allegations of irregularities, including paper leaks, have led to protests in several cities and sparring between rival political parties.