The NEET scam has shown the loopholes that are present in the Indian examination structure and it is high time that we make an examination that can help to build trust in the examination centre again.
Author: Md Sami Rahman, College Integrated Law Course Delhi University.
Introduction
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a highly competitive examination that serves as the gateway for students aspiring to join medical and dental courses in India. Established to streamline the admission process and ensure a merit-based selection, NEET has faced numerous controversies over the years. The NEET Scam of 2024, however, has emerged as one of the most significant and scandalous episodes, shaking the very foundations of the examination system.
Background
NEET was introduced in 2013 by the Medical Council of India (MCI) to replace multiple entrance exams conducted by various states and institutions. Despite its noble intent, NEET has been plagued by issues such as paper leaks, impersonation, and the use of unfair means. The 2024 scam, however, stands out due to its scale and the involvement of sophisticated technology and organised crime syndicates.
The Modus Operandi
The 2024 NEET scam involved a multifaceted approach orchestrated by a well-organised network. The primary methods used included:
: Candidates paid hefty sums to get professional impersonators to take the exam on their behalf. These impersonators were often individuals with a strong grasp of the subjects tested in NEET.
2 High-Tech Cheating: The use of Bluetooth devices, micro earpieces, and other sophisticated gadgets enabled candidates to receive answers during the examination. These devices were often undetectable by conventional screening methods.
3 Question Paper Leaks: Insiders within the examination conducting bodies leaked question papers to coaching institutes and middlemen, who then sold the papers to candidates for exorbitant amounts
4 Fake Documents: Forged identification documents were used to facilitate impersonation and other fraudulent activities.
Investigation and Bust
The scam came to light when vigilant examiners noticed irregularities in the handwriting and behaviour of certain candidates. Subsequent investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and state police departments revealed the extensive network involved in the scam. Raids conducted across multiple states led to the arrest of several individuals, including students, parents, coaching institute operators, and even some officials from the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts NEET.
Key Arrests and Confessions
Among those arrested were key figures who played pivotal roles in orchestrating the scam. Detailed confessions and recovered documents provided a clear picture of the operation. The involvement of high-profile coaching centres and the sheer amount of money exchanged highlighted the deep-rooted corruption and the lengths to which some individuals would go to secure a medical seat.
Legal Implications
Charges and ProvisionsThe accused in the NEET scam faced charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act. Key changes included:
1 Cheating (Section 420 IPC): For deceiving the examination authorities and gaining undue advantage.
2Forgery (Sections 465, 468 IPC): For creating and using forged documents.
3 Criminal Conspiracy (Section 120B IPC): For planning and executing the scam.
4 Identity Theft and Impersonation (Section 66C and 66D of the IT Act): For using fake identities and impersonators.
Judicial Proceedings
The judicial proceedings in the aftermath of the scam saw a flurry of activity. Special courts were set up to handle the cases, given the large number of accused and the complexity of the operations. The prosecution relied heavily on digital evidence, including call records, financial transactions, and surveillance footage.
Impact on Students
The scam had a profound impact on genuine students who had prepared rigorously for the examination. The NTA faced immense pressure to ensure that the integrity of the results was not compromised. Re-examinations were considered, but eventually, a thorough verification process was implemented to weed out fraudulent candidates. This involved re-evaluation of answer sheets, biometric verification, and in some cases, re-testing of suspected candidates.
Broader Implications and Reforms
Trust in the Examination System The NEET scam of 2024 severely dented the trust in the Indian examination system. It highlighted the vulnerabilities and loopholes that could be exploited by those with the means and intent. This episode led to widespread outrage among students, parents, and educators, demanding stringent reforms.
Legal Reforms: Amending existing laws to introduce harsher penalties for exam-related fraud and ensuring swift judicial processes.
Conclusion
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a highly competitive examination that serves as the gateway for students aspiring to join medical and dental courses in India. Established to streamline the admission process and ensure a merit-based selection, NEET has faced numerous controversies over the years. The NEET Scam of 2024, however, has emerged as one of the most significant and scandalous episodes, shaking the very foundations of the examination system.
Background
NEET was introduced in 2013 by the Medical Council of India (MCI) to replace multiple entrance exams conducted by various states and institutions. Despite its noble intent, NEET has been plagued by issues such as paper leaks, impersonation, and the use of unfair means. The 2024 scam, however, stands out due to its scale and the involvement of sophisticated technology and organised crime syndicates.
The Modus Operandi
The 2024 NEET scam involved a multifaceted approach orchestrated by a well-organised network. The primary methods used included:
: Candidates paid hefty sums to get professional impersonators to take the exam on their behalf. These impersonators were often individuals with a strong grasp of the subjects tested in NEET.
2 High-Tech Cheating: The use of Bluetooth devices, micro earpieces, and other sophisticated gadgets enabled candidates to receive answers during the examination. These devices were often undetectable by conventional screening methods.
3 Question Paper Leaks: Insiders within the examination conducting bodies leaked question papers to coaching institutes and middlemen, who then sold the papers to candidates for exorbitant amounts
4 Fake Documents: Forged identification documents were used to facilitate impersonation and other fraudulent activities.
Investigation and Bust
The scam came to light when vigilant examiners noticed irregularities in the handwriting and behaviour of certain candidates. Subsequent investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and state police departments revealed the extensive network involved in the scam. Raids conducted across multiple states led to the arrest of several individuals, including students, parents, coaching institute operators, and even some officials from the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts NEET.
Key Arrests and Confessions
Among those arrested were key figures who played pivotal roles in orchestrating the scam. Detailed confessions and recovered documents provided a clear picture of the operation. The involvement of high-profile coaching centres and the sheer amount of money exchanged highlighted the deep-rooted corruption and the lengths to which some individuals would go to secure a medical seat.
Legal Implications
Charges and ProvisionsThe accused in the NEET scam faced charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act. Key changes included:
1 Cheating (Section 420 IPC): For deceiving the examination authorities and gaining undue advantage.
2Forgery (Sections 465, 468 IPC): For creating and using forged documents.
3 Criminal Conspiracy (Section 120B IPC): For planning and executing the scam.
4 Identity Theft and Impersonation (Section 66C and 66D of the IT Act): For using fake identities and impersonators.
Judicial Proceedings
The judicial proceedings in the aftermath of the scam saw a flurry of activity. Special courts were set up to handle the cases, given the large number of accused and the complexity of the operations. The prosecution relied heavily on digital evidence, including call records, financial transactions, and surveillance footage.
Impact on Students
The scam had a profound impact on genuine students who had prepared rigorously for the examination. The NTA faced immense pressure to ensure that the integrity of the results was not compromised. Re-examinations were considered, but eventually, a thorough verification process was implemented to weed out fraudulent candidates. This involved re-evaluation of answer sheets, biometric verification, and in some cases, re-testing of suspected candidates.
Broader Implications and Reforms
Trust in the Examination System The NEET scam of 2024 severely dented the trust in the Indian examination system. It highlighted the vulnerabilities and loopholes that could be exploited by those with the means and intent. This episode led to widespread outrage among students, parents, and educators, demanding stringent reforms.
Legal Reforms: Amending existing laws to introduce harsher penalties for exam-related fraud and ensuring swift judicial processes.
Conclusion
The NEET scam of 2024 exposed the dark underbelly of India’s competitive examination system, revealing the extent to which corruption and unethical practices had infiltrated the process. While the immediate fallout included arrests, legal battles, and reforms, the long-term impact lies in the lessons learned and the steps taken to restore trust and integrity in the examination system. The government’s response, coupled with public vigilance, will be crucial in preventing such incidents in the future and ensuring that merit, not money or manipulation, determines the future of aspiring medical professionals in India.
FAQ
1 What are the implications of the Supreme Court judgement?
Answer- The implications of the judgement in the re-NEET examination were that the court held there was no evidence of a mass paper leak in the examination and held that it is wrong to conduct re-NEET again but it hurts the students because they are not able to get the level playing field for the competition only govt can do this level playing field to the students by making the laws that will be help to curb the paper leak.
