Ensure foolproof NEET on June 21, says Pradhan
The NEET 2024 paper leak controversy directly relates to GS II themes of governance, accountability, and institutional integrity. It highlights failures in examination administration by a central body (NTA) and invites questions on federalism, right to education, and merit-based public systems. The episode also carries GS IV dimensions of ethics, probity, and institutional trust.
Key facts
- NEET-UG 2024 was originally held on May 3, 2024; cancelled due to widespread paper leaks.
- Re-examination scheduled for June 21, 2024, as directed by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- The leak triggered federal (CBI/central agency) investigations and nationwide protests by students.
- National Testing Agency (NTA) faces scrutiny over its examination management and security protocols.
- NEET is the single gateway for MBBS/BDS admissions across India, affecting lakhs of aspirants annually.
- The controversy reignited debate on scrapping or restructuring NTA and reforming centralised entrance exams.
The test held on May 3 was cancelled as the questions had leaked, leading to an uproar and federal investigations.
Concepts to know
An autonomous body under the Ministry of Education set up in 2017 to conduct entrance and eligibility tests such as NEET-UG, JEE, and UGC-NET. It came under scrutiny in 2024 over alleged paper leaks in NEET-UG.
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Undergraduate; the single national entrance examination for admission to MBBS, BDS, and other undergraduate medical courses across India, made mandatory by the Supreme Court and upheld under the NMC Act.
Replaced the Medical Council of India; mandates NEET as the uniform entrance test for medical admissions, ensuring standardisation across states and private institutions.
Article 21A guarantees free and compulsory education to children aged 6-14. Broader interpretations link fair access to competitive examinations to the right to equal opportunity and dignity under Article 21.
A governance model where Centre and States collaborate on national priorities; PM's advisory to States on AI and water conservation exemplifies this approach.
India's premier investigating agency under the DSPE Act, 1946, tasked with probing serious crimes including the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case.
Linked previous-year questions
The UPSC questions this story connects to.
With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements: 1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. 2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy. 3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Qualification Skill Framework. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
- a.1 and 3 only
- b.2 only
- c.2 and 3 only ✓
- d.1, 2 and 3
Economy · UPSC 2018Consider the following statements about 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana': 1. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector. 2. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels. 3. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and up-skilling, under scheme component of capacity building. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) I and II only (b) I and III only (c) II and III only (d) I, II and III
- a.I and II only
- b.I and III only
- c.II and III only ✓
- d.I, II and III
General Studies · UPSC 2025Consider the following statements: 1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be required to possess the minimum qualification laid down by the concerned State Council of Teacher Education. 2. As per the RTE Act, for teaching primary classes, a candidate is required to pass a Teacher Eligibility Test conducted in accordance with the National Council of Teacher Education guidelines. 3. In India, more than 90% of teacher education institutions are directly under the State Governments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only
- a.1 and 2
- b.2 only ✓
- c.1 and 3
- d.3 only
Polity · UPSC 2018Consider the following statements: I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a 'future ready' railway system by 2028. II. 'Kavach' is an Automatic Train Protection system developed in collaboration with Germany. III. 'Kavach' system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section. Which of the statements given above are not correct? (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III
- a.I and II only ✓
- b.II and III only
- c.I and III only
- d.I, II and III
General Studies · UPSC 2025With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements: 1. The entry age group for enrolment in the scheme is 21 to 40 years. 2. Age specific contribution shall be made by the beneficiary. 3. Each subscriber under the scheme shall receive a minimum pension of Rs. 3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years. 4. Family pension is applicable to the spouse and unmarried daughters. Which of the statements given above is/are correct (a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 4
- a.1, 3 and 4
- b.2 and 3 only ✓
- c.2 only
- d.1, 2 and 4
Economy · UPSC 2024Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Smart India Hackathon 2017? 1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme for developing every city of our country into Smart Cities in a decade. 2. It is an initiative to identify new digital technology innovations for solving the many problems faced by our country. 3. It is a programme aimed at making all the financial transactions in our country completely digital in a decade. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3 only
- a.1 and 3 only
- b.2 only ✓
- c.3 only
- d.2 and 3 only
Science & Tech · UPSC 2017
Get the full brief — free
Every story syllabus-mapped, the exact NCERT page to revise, a daily MCQ quiz and more — start free, no card needed.
Start free →