Following 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.
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.
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.
The Ministry’s decision, announced late Wednesday evening, surprised senior NTA officials. Meanwhile, Congress and other parties have ramped up their criticism of the Center. Kerala CM Vijayan, referring to the NEET exam controversy, stated, “Such situations leave students in limbo and waste public money.”