'Integrity of exam may be compromised'; UGC-NET nixed, CBI probe ordered

NEW DELHI: Govt on Wednesday cancelled the UGC-National Eligibility Test after an alert by the national anti-cyber crime agency that the paper had been leaked. It also handed over the case to the CBI for a criminal investigation, reports
"On June 19, University Grants Commission received certain inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre under the ministry of home affairs.These inputs prima facie indicate that the integrity of the examination may have been compromised," an official release said. The order came amid persistent demands for cancellation of NEET-UG over alleged irregularities. Sources confirmed the education ministry, which examined the inputs, took the decision after concluding that the paper had leaked. The exam is conducted by NTA.
Fresh dates for the exam will be announced. The test in OMR (pen and paper) mode was held on June 18 in two shifts across different cities. A record 11 lakh candidates registered for the exam.
UGC-NET determines the eligibility of Indian nationals for JRF, appointments as assistant professors, and admission to PhD programmes in Indian universities and colleges.
The official release also addressed the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG and said a decision on the demand for a fresh test would be taken on the basis of the report of the economic offences unit of Bihar police, which has claimed to have found evidence "suggestive" of a leak in the medical entrance exam. The govt said it has already reversed its decision to grant grace marks to NEET applicants who did not get the full 3 hours and 20 minutes to complete the exam.