A day after the exam, UGC-NET was canceled; the testing panel said it "may have been compromised"

The National Testing Agency (NTA) recently canceled the UGC-NET (University Grants Commission - National Eligibility Test) exam, citing compromised integrity. The exam, conducted on June 18, 2024, involved over 11 lakh candidates across 1205 centres in 317 cities. Concerns arose after inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) suggested possible irregularities. 

To maintain transparency and integrity, the Ministry of Education decided to cancel the June 2024 UGC-NET exam and announced plans for a fresh examination. The case has been referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough probe. 

UGC-NET is crucial for determining eligibility for Assistant Professorship and Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges.

This incident follows similar issues in the NEET-UG 2024 exam, where question paper leaks were reported, especially in Bihar. Notably, 67 students achieved perfect scores, including six from a single center in Faridabad, raising suspicions. The NTA has addressed concerns about grace marks but is awaiting a detailed report from the Economic Offences Unit of Bihar Police regarding the alleged irregularities.

The government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding examination integrity and student interests, promising stringent action against any individual or organization involved in these malpractices.