UGC-NET Exam Cancelled Following Integrity Concerns; Fresh Exam to Be Conducted

New Delhi: The Ministry of Education has canceled the UGC-NET exam, which was recently administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), just one day after its completion. This decision comes amid ongoing controversy related to the NEET medical entrance exam, which is currently under Supreme Court scrutiny.This iteration of the National Eligibility Test (NET) was conducted in a pen-and-paper format, differing from previous practices. About 81% of the 11.21 lakh registered candidates participated in the exam across 317 cities nationwide.The cancellation was driven by inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), suggesting potential breaches in exam integrity. In an official statement, the Ministry of Education emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and the sanctity of the examination process, leading to the decision to cancel the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination.The ministry announced that a new examination will be scheduled, with further details to be provided separately. Additionally, the Central Bureau of Investigation (C.B.I.) has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.About the UGC-NET ExamThe UGC-NET exam determines the eligibility of Indian nationals for the roles of ‘Assistant Professor’ and for the ‘Junior Research Fellowship and Assistant Professor’ positions in universities and colleges. Typically, the NTA conducts this exam in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format twice a year, in June and December.Eligibility for Assistant Professorship is based on candidates’ performance in Paper-I and Paper-II of the UGC-NET exam. Those qualifying for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) can pursue research or apply for Assistant Professorship roles. Specific qualifications for Assistant Professors vary across universities, colleges, and state governments.The cancellation and subsequent investigation signify a major shift in the examination process, affecting thousands of aspirants nationwide.