UGC-NET June 2024 Exam Cancelled Due to Integrity Concerns; CBI Probe Ordered

Wed Jun 19, 2024

The National Testing Agency (NTA) announced on Wednesday the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam, held just a day earlier, citing compromised integrity. A CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) probe has been ordered to investigate the matter.

This decision follows closely on the heels of a significant controversy surrounding the NEET medical entrance exam, which faced allegations of irregularities and has reached the Supreme Court.The UGC-NET was conducted on Tuesday, June 18, across 1,205 centers in 317 cities nationwide, with over 11 lakh candidates participating. 

In a notable change from previous practices, this year's NET exam was administered in pen and paper mode on a single day.According to the NTA, the University Grants Commission (UGC) received information suggesting potential compromises to the exam's integrity. On June 19, 2024, cybersecurity experts alerted the UGC to widespread cheating during the examination.

The Ministry of Education has decided to cancel the UGC-NET June 2024 Exam to maintain the "highest level of transparency and sanctity of the examination process." A new examination will be conducted, with further details to be provided soon.In a statement, the NTA said, "To ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity of the examination process, the Ministry of Education, Government of India has decided that the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination be cancelled. 

A fresh examination shall be conducted, for which information shall be shared separately."A total of 11,21,225 candidates registered for the UGC-NET June 2024 exam, including 6,35,587 females, 4,85,579 males, and 59 candidates of the third gender. This marks an increase from the UGC-NET December 2023, which had 9,45,872 registered candidates.