The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially registered a criminal case to investigate alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) Undergraduate 2024 examination. This decision follows a directive from the Central Government, entrusting the CBI with the responsibility of probing into the allegations.
The case was initiated based on a formal complaint from the Director of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. The NEET (UG) 2024 examination, which took place on May 5, 2024, was organised by the National Testing Agency (NTA) across 4,750 centres in 571 cities, including 14 international locations. Over 23 lakh candidates participated in the examination.
The complaint highlights that isolated malpractice incidents were reported from a few states during the examination. Consequently, the Ministry of Education has sought a thorough investigation by the CBI into a wide array of alleged irregularities. These include conspiracy, cheating, impersonation, breach of trust, and destruction of evidence by candidates, institutes, and intermediaries. The Ministry has also urged the CBI to scrutinise the involvement of any public servants in the examination process and to uncover broader conspiracies.
In response, the CBI has registered a criminal case and has commenced its investigation with high priority. Special investigative teams have been formed and dispatched to key locations, including Patna and Godhra, where local police have already registered cases related to the allegations.
