Amid the ongoing UGC-NET cancellation, the Education Ministry announced on Thursday that the exams might have been compromised. Preliminary findings suggest irregularities, leading the ministry to refer the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough probe.

Despite no formal complaints being lodged regarding the UGC-NET, the decision to cancel the exams was taken suo motu (on its own initiative) based on available inputs. The ministry emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity and transparency of the examination process.

In an official statement, the ministry highlighted, "While no direct complaints were received concerning the UGC-NET, we acted on substantial inputs that indicated potential compromises. To uphold the examination's credibility, we have referred the case to the CBI for a comprehensive investigation."

The Union Education Ministry has cancelled the UGC-NET exam, which was held on June 18, 2024. The decision comes amid growing concerns over the integrity of the exam, which was conducted during extreme weather conditions across India. 

The cancellation and subsequent investigation aim to ensure that future exams are conducted with the highest standards of fairness and security, safeguarding the interests of all candidates involved.

hy Was UGC-NET Cancelled?

The cancellation followed reports suggesting potential irregularities. The Ministry of Education received information from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. These inputs indicated that the exam's integrity might have been compromised. To ensure transparency and maintain the sanctity of the examination process, the ministry decided to cancel the June 2024 UGC-NET exam.

Investigation and Future Steps

The matter has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough investigation. Additionally, the Bihar Police's Economic Offences Unit has been asked to investigate alleged irregularities in the conduct of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (UG) 2024 in Patna. The ministry has promised to take further action based on the findings of these investigations.

Impact on Students

The cancellation means that the June 18 exam is now null and void. A fresh examination will be conducted, but no new date has been announced yet. Students will need to reappear for the exam at a later date, which will be communicated by the authorities in due course.

Exam Format and Registration

This year, the UGC-NET was conducted in pen-and-paper mode on a single day, a departure from the usual computer-based test (CBT) format. The exam saw a record registration of 11 lakh students.

About the UGC-NET Exam

UGC-NET determines the eligibility of Indian nationals for junior research fellowships, assistant professor appointments, and PhD admissions in Indian universities and colleges. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) since December 2018, the exam usually takes place in June and December each year. However, this time, the exam was conducted in a traditional pen-and-paper format instead of the usual CBT mode.

Looking Ahead

As the investigation proceeds, students are advised to stay updated through official channels for the announcement of the new exam date. The ministry aims to ensure that the re-exam process is conducted with the highest level of transparency and fairness.

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