Amid controversies over alleged irregularities in NEET and UGC NET exams, the Central government has enacted the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. This new law aims to prevent paper leaks in examinations for central recruitment and admission to central educational institutions, with the aim of eliminating unfair practices across the country. According to the gazette notification of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, the provisions of the Act will come into effect from June 21, 2024.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts NEET-UG every year at 4,750 centres in 571 cities, with over 24 lakh candidates appearing this year. The results were declared on June 4.
However, soon after the results, allegations of irregularities surfaced, especially with regard to 67 students securing top marks in Bihar amid allegations of question paper leaks. Similar allegations and irregularities have been reported from several states.