UGC-NET CANCELLED OVER ‘IRREGULARITY’; CBI PROBE ORDERED

Why in the news?

The Education Ministry announced the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam held on 18th June .

Source- TH

About the News :

  • Cancellation Announcement:This decision followed inputs from the Ministry of Home Affairs indicating the exam’s integrity had been compromised.
  • CBI Investigation:The issue will be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
  • The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the UGC-NET.
  • NTA Controversy:The NTA is already under scrutiny for alleged irregularities in the NEET exam for medical courses.
  • Purpose of UGC-NET:UGC-NET determines eligibility for Assistant Professor, Junior Research Fellowship-Assistant Professor, and Ph.D. admissions.It is held twice a year.
  • Official Statements:The Ministry emphasized its commitment to maintaining exam sanctity and protecting students’ interests.
  • A fresh UGC-NET exam will be conducted, with details to be announced later.
  • Student Protests:Students, including those from Jawaharlal Nehru University, plan to protest, demanding the resignation of the Education Minister and UGC Chairperson, and the scrapping of the NTA and NEET.
  • Opposition’s Response:Opposition leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, questioned why NEET had not been cancelled.
  • Kharge called the UGC-NET cancellation a victory for students and a defeat for the government’s “arrogance.”
About National Testing Agency-

  • The National Testing Agency (NTA) is an autonomous body established by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to conduct efficient, transparent, and standardized assessments for admission to higher educational institutions.
  • Major Examinations: NTA conducts several high-stakes entrance examinations, including the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical admissions, Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for engineering, and Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate admissions in central universities.
  • Standardization and Integrity:The agency employs advanced technology and secure systems to ensure the integrity and reliability of the examinations.
  • This includes rigorous invigilation, digital marking systems, and strict protocols to prevent malpractice and ensure fair conduct.
  • Research and Development:The agency is involved in research to develop and improve testing methodologies.