Followed by the Ministry of Education’s decision to cancel the UGC-NET due to concerns about the exam’s integrity, Joint Secretary Govind Jaiswal announced that the matter has been handed over to the CBI for investigation. The ministry received technical inputs from I4C suggesting that the exam may have been compromised. “In the interest of students, we decided to cancel the exam,” Jaiswal said.
As per the report, the exam paper was sold on the dark web and encrypted social media platforms for ₹ 6 lakh. To ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity of the examination process, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, had decided to cancel the UGC-NET June 2024 examination on Wednesday, June 19, a day after it was held.
Jaiswal explained that I4C operates on digital platforms and provided initial indications of a problem. While no formal complaints were lodged about UGC-NET, I4C proactively took action. “Disclosing further details could compromise the investigation,” he added, emphasising the ministry’s commitment to protecting student interests and taking action against any wrongdoing.
The CBI registered a case against unidentified individuals for compromising the integrity of the UGC-NET exam. The CBI stated that the case was filed under IPC Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) based on a complaint the Secretary of the Department of Education lodged.
Jaiswal noted that the Center has not yet drawn any conclusions and must carefully examine the evidence, as the UGC-NET, held in 83 subjects, is a complex process. He highlighted that the NTA, which conducts exams for over 1 crore candidates annually, is continually improving based on feedback.
Over 9 lakh candidates took the exam on June 18 across 317 cities. The NTA, already facing scrutiny over alleged NEET UG irregularities, is now under increased pressure due to the UGC-NET cancellation. Opposition parties are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmesh Pradhan and top NTA officials.
