The National Testing Agency (NTA), in its recent submission to the Supreme Court, emphasized that there is no evidence of systematic failure in relation to the NEET UG examination controversy.

This statement follows allegations of unusually high scores among top candidates, raising concerns about possible fraud and systemic issues within the exam's administration.

The NTA categorically denied the allegations, stating: "The allegations of the Petitioners that there has been a systemic failure as candidates have obtained unprecedented higher marks only in the top range of mark interval are misconceived and thus denied."

The NTA has acknowledged ongoing investigations into specific incidents, notably in Bihar, characterized as "criminal activities." These incidents are currently under scrutiny by law enforcement agencies. Initially under the Bihar Police's investigation, the case was subsequently transferred to the Economic Offenses Unit (EOU) and has now been escalated to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further investigation at the national level.

As an immediate response, the NTA has withheld the results of 17 candidates suspected of involvement in fraudulent activities. Show-cause notices have been issued to these candidates, pending the investigation's outcome.

Petitioners alleged that the significant rise in NEET (UG) 2024 scores was due to extensive fraud, including paper leaks, OMR tampering, and improper use of compensatory marks. The NTA, however, countered these allegations, attributing the score increase to a reduction of 22-25% in the syllabus and a 15% surge in the number of candidates.

The NTA argued that the increase in marks was consistent across most score ranges and did not significantly alter the relative performance of candidates.

The Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra is set to hear over 40 pleas, including those from the NTA. These pleas seek the transfer of cases related to the NEET-UG dispute from various high courts to the Supreme Court to streamline the litigation process and avoid multiple proceedings.

The petitions demand the cancellation of the exam, a re-test, and an investigation into the alleged malpractices during NEET-UG 2024. The bench has already received a status report from the CBI on the progress of the probe into these irregularities.