New Delhi, May 6, 2025** – In a significant crackdown on irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2024, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has suspended 26 MBBS students and canceled the admissions of 14 others following a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into widespread malpractices. The revelations have sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the integrity of one of India’s most competitive examinations, which serves as the gateway to medical education.

CBI Investigation Uncovers Malpractices

The CBI’s investigation, initiated after reports of irregularities surfaced post-exam, uncovered a range of fraudulent activities, including question paper leaks, impersonation, and the use of proxy candidates. The probe revealed that certain candidates had gained unfair advantages through illicit means, compromising the merit-based selection process critical to medical education. The investigation implicated students, intermediaries, and even some coaching centers, pointing to a broader network facilitating these malpractices.

The NEET-UG 2024 examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 5, 2024, saw over 24 lakh candidates compete for approximately 1.08 lakh MBBS and BDS seats across India. The scale of the exam, coupled with its high stakes, has made it a target for such fraudulent schemes in the past, but the extent of this year’s irregularities has shocked stakeholders.

NMC’s Swift Action

Acting on the CBI’s findings, the NMC issued directives for the immediate suspension of 26 MBBS students enrolled in various medical colleges. These students, found complicit in malpractices, face severe consequences, including potential permanent debarment from medical education. Additionally, the admissions of 14 students for the 2024-25 academic year were canceled outright, as their involvement in unfair practices was confirmed.

“The NMC is committed to upholding the sanctity of medical education. Those found guilty of undermining the process will face strict action to ensure fairness and transparency,” an NMC official stated.

NTA’s Response and Debarments

The NTA, responsible for conducting NEET-UG, has also taken stringent measures. It debarred 42 candidates from appearing in the exam for three years (2024–2026) and nine others for two years (2025–2026). The candidature of 215 additional candidates remains on hold, pending further investigation by the CBI and other authorities. The NTA has emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward malpractices and is working to strengthen security protocols for future exams.

“The trust of millions of students and their families in NEET-UG is paramount. We are cooperating fully with the CBI and implementing robust measures to prevent such incidents,” an NTA spokesperson said.

Public and Political Reactions

The scandal has triggered widespread condemnation from students, parents, and educators, many of whom have long criticized the vulnerabilities in the examination system. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with posts demanding stricter oversight and systemic reforms. One user wrote, “NEET scams are a betrayal of honest aspirants. The system needs an overhaul to protect merit.” Another post highlighted the financial burden on families, stating, “Parents spend lakhs on coaching, only for cheaters to steal seats. This is injustice.”

Political parties have seized the opportunity to critique the government’s handling of the education sector. Opposition leaders have called for a parliamentary debate on examination integrity, while the ruling party has defended its efforts to curb malpractices through enhanced monitoring and legal action.

Implications for NEET-UG 2025

With NEET-UG 2025 approaching, the scandal has intensified scrutiny on the examination process. Experts suggest that the NTA may introduce advanced technological safeguards, such as biometric verification and AI-based proctoring, to prevent future leaks and impersonation. There is also a growing clamor for decentralizing the exam process to reduce the risks associated with a single, high-stakes test.

The Education Ministry has assured stakeholders that it is reviewing the CBI’s findings and will implement recommendations to restore confidence in NEET. “We are committed to ensuring a fair and secure examination system. Those responsible will face the full force of the law,” a ministry official stated.

Broader Impact on Medical Education

The suspensions and cancellations underscore the challenges of maintaining integrity in a highly competitive field like medical education. The incident has reignited debates over the reliance on a single entrance exam and the role of coaching institutes, which some argue exacerbate inequalities. Proposals for alternative admission models, such as incorporating class 12 board exam scores or regional entrance tests, are gaining traction among educationists.

For the affected students, the consequences are severe. Beyond the immediate loss of their MBBS seats, they face social stigma and uncertain academic futures. Meanwhile, honest candidates who lost opportunities due to these malpractices are left grappling with frustration and disillusionment.

Looking Ahead

As the CBI continues its investigation, more revelations may emerge, potentially implicating additional candidates and institutions. The NMC and NTA have vowed to act decisively on any new evidence, signaling that the crackdown is far from over. For now, the focus remains on restoring trust in NEET-UG and ensuring that the 2025 exam cycle is conducted with utmost integrity.

The NEET-UG 2024 malpractice scandal serves as a stark reminder of the systemic vulnerabilities in India’s examination framework. As stakeholders demand accountability and reform, the nation watches closely to see how authorities will safeguard the dreams of millions of aspiring doctors.

  NEET-UG 2024, NEET-UG 2024 Malpractice Scandal