UGC NET 2024 Paper Leak: CBI Files FIR, Probe Underway

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has started probing the UGC NET paper leak after a day of the cancellation of the exam. The case against ‘unknown accused persons’ has been registered on the basis of complaint filed by the Secretary of Education Department. 

“A case has been registered against unknown persons for compromising the integrity of the UGC NET exam conducted on June 18,” the federal agency said in a statement. 

UGC NET exam was conducted on June 18 in two shifts at 1,205 exam centers across 317 cities in the country. Over 11.21 lakh candidates registered for the exam, including 6.35 lakh female candidates and 4.85 lakh male candidates. However, only 9.08 lakh candidates actually appeared for the exam.

What is UGC NET?

UGC NET stands for University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test. It is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency twice a year to assess candidates’ eligibility for the positions of ‘Assistant Professor’ and ‘Junior Research Fellowship and Assistant Professor’ and for PhD admissions. It is conducted in the months of June and December every year.

Why was the UGC NET Exam Cancelled?

On June 19, the Union Education Ministry announced the cancellation of the UGC NET 2024 exam after receiving inputs from the Ministry of Home Affairs that the exam's integrity may have been compromised. According to the minister, a "specific question paper" was leaked on the darknet.

In response to this serious breach, officials decided to cancel the exam to uphold transparency and maintain the sanctity of the examination process. The revised exam dates will be announced soon.

"Government is committed to ensure the sanctity of examinations and protect the interest of students. Ministry of Education has decided that the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination be cancelled on the basis of inputs from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, prima facie indicating that the integrity of the examination may have been compromised", the Ministry of Education posted on its official X platform.

Addressing the gravity of the situation, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also announced the formation of a high-level committee aimed at enhancing the functioning of the NTA and ensuring error-free examinations, thereby eliminating paper leaks. Although the minister did not disclose details about the committee's composition, he stated that it will make recommendations on NTA's structure, operations, examination processes, transparency, and data security protocols.

UGC NET 2024 Cancellation: What is the new ‘anti-paper leak’ law? 

The Union Education Ministry handed over the UGC NET 2024 paper leak matter to the CBI to probe. The federal agency has filed the case under sections of criminal conspiracy and cheating after receiving Union Education Minister’s complaint.

The education ministry has additionally requested a report from the Bihar Police's Economic Offences Unit regarding alleged irregularities in the administration of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2024 in Patna. It stated further actions will be taken as per the reports.

This offence falls under the Anti-Paper Leak Act, which was approved by President Droupadi Murmu in February, thereby enacting it into law. This legislation aims to prevent leaks, malpractices, and organized malpractices in recruitment examinations.

Also, read:

UGC NET Cancelled Latest Updates: Punishments under Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024

The Punishments under Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 imprisonment for three to five years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh. In cases involving organized crime, such as those including examination authorities, service providers, or other institutions, the penalty includes imprisonment for 5 to 10 years and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.