Parliamentary Panel Demands Answers on NEET Exam Irregularities
A key parliamentary committee has summoned senior officials from the Ministry of Education, the National Testing Agency (NTA), and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over concerns related to the NEET UG examination and alleged irregularities in medical college admissions. The panel is scheduled to meet on Friday to seek clarifications on paper leaks, examination procedures, and other reported discrepancies.
High-Stakes Meeting Scheduled
According to a notice issued by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat on May 27, the Committee on Government Assurances will question officials during a session scheduled for 11 AM on Friday. The list of attendees includes Vineet Joshi, Secretary of the Higher Education Department in the Ministry of Education; Abhishek Singh, Director General of the NTA; and Praveen Sood, Director of the CBI.
The committee’s scrutiny traces back to an unstarred question raised in the Rajya Sabha in November 2024, which questioned the NTA’s handling of examination processes. At that time, the Ministry of Education responded in writing that agencies are awarded contracts for conducting exams in accordance with central government rules and guidelines.
Ministry’s Position on Vendor Oversight
The ministry further clarified its stance on vendor accountability, stating that complaints against any contractor trigger action based on the terms outlined in tender documents and work orders. Possible measures range from financial penalties to the complete blacklisting of agencies found non-compliant.
Regarding the NEET UG 2024 paper leak specifically, the ministry had previously confirmed that the CBI was conducting a comprehensive investigation into the alleged conspiracy, fraud, and other irregularities. By November 22, 2024, the investigating agency had filed five charge sheets implicating 45 accused individuals in connection with the case.
Rescheduled Examination on the Horizon
This year’s NEET UG examination, conducted on May 3 for medical course admissions, was cancelled by the NTA on May 12 following allegations of question paper leakage. The CBI is currently investigating the matter, and a re-examination has been tentatively scheduled for June 21.
The parliamentary committee will also address concerns related to the medical college admission scandal. The meeting will include Punya Salila Shrivastava, Secretary of the Union Health Ministry; Dr. Abhijat Chandra Sheth, President of the National Medical Commission (NMC); and the CBI Director.
Broader Investigation into Medical College Fraud
In a response provided to the Rajya Sabha in July 2025, the Health Ministry disclosed that the CBI had registered an FIR in New Delhi under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Prevention of Corruption Act concerning fraudulent practices in medical colleges. These include the use of dummy faculty members, fabricated inspection reports, and falsified patient records. The ministry confirmed that the investigation into these matters remains ongoing.
The upcoming parliamentary session underscores the growing scrutiny over India’s medical entrance examination system and the integrity of admissions into healthcare education institutions. With multiple agencies involved and a re-test pending, the outcome of Friday’s deliberations could have significant implications for thousands of aspiring medical students across the country.
