Yearender 2024 Education Sector: The year 2024 was marked by significant controversies and challenges in India's examination system, with multiple paper leak scandals and cancellations igniting protests and debates on the integrity of exams. Notable incidents included the NEET UG paper leak, which sparked widespread protests, and the Bihar Public Service Commission's 70th CCE controversy. Similarly, the Rajasthan Public Service Commission's Revenue Officer and Executive Officer exam faced cancellation due to a confidentiality breach. These events, along with ongoing reform discussions, highlighted the growing concerns over exam security, leading to calls for stricter measures and transparency in education and recruitment processes.

NEET UG 2024 Exam Controversy

The NEET UG 2024 controversy centers around allegations of unfair practices and irregularities in the examination results. Following the result announcement on June 4, 2024, numerous candidates raised concerns, leading to a Supreme Court inquiry. Key issues included the awarding of grace marks to over 1,500 students, which the Centre later revoked, and accusations of impersonation and cheating involving organised gangs. The National Testing Agency (NTA) formed a committee to investigate these claims, resulting in the debarment of several candidates and ongoing legal scrutiny. Protests erupted as students demanded transparency and fairness in the evaluation process.

Moreover, the cancellation of the NEET PG exam, just the night before the test, created a storm of criticism, as many candidates were already traveling to other cities to appear for the exam.

UGC NET June Exam 2024 Controversy

In June, the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET), an important exam for entry-level teaching positions, faced its own controversy. The exam was cancelled a day after it was conducted, following allegations of a paper leak. However, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) later concluded that the evidence had been doctored, leading to further confusion.

BPSC 70th CCE Exam 2024 Controversy

A group of Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants protested, calling for the cancellation of the December 13 BPSC 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024 due to an alleged question paper leak. On December 24, BPSC Chairperson Parmar Rai Manubhai stated that the exam would not be canceled, as reported by PTI. However, he confirmed that a re-examination would be held for candidates assigned to the Bapu Pariksha Parisar examination center on December 13. The re-examination is scheduled for January 4, 2025, with an official notice issued by the commission. Protesters claim the paper was leaked at certain centers, demanding a cancellation of the exam. However, the commission has decided against canceling the entire examination.

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UP Police Constable Exam 2024 Controversy

A police constable recruitment exam, set to hire over 60,000 candidates, was cancelled in February due to a paper leak. In response, the state government enacted stringent measures, including an ordinance imposing jail terms and heavy fines for those involved in paper leaks.

RPSC RO, EO Exam Controversy

The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) has canceled the Revenue Officer Grade II and Executive Officer Class IV Examination due to a breach of confidentiality during the test. The exam, held on May 14, 2023, aimed to fill 111 senior positions, with 196,483 candidates competing for the posts. After an eligibility check and document verification, only 311 candidates were found eligible, as reported by news agency PTI. In an official notice, RPSC announced that the examination will be rescheduled for March 23, 2025.

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