Amid controversy over the NEET medical entrance exam, the Union Education Ministry on Wednesday canceled the UGC-NET due to concerns about the exam’s integrity and handed the case to the CBI for investigation.

The ministry also requested a report from the Bihar Police’s Economic Offences Unit regarding alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) 2024 exam in Patna and indicated that further action would be taken based on this report.

“The UGC received inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. These inputs suggest that the exam’s integrity may have been compromised,” the ministry stated.

“To ensure transparency and maintain the exam’s sanctity, it has been decided to cancel the UGC-NET June 2024 examination. A new exam date will be announced separately. The matter is also being referred to the CBI for thorough investigation,” the ministry added.

Unlike previous years, the National Eligibility Test (NET) was conducted in pen-and-paper mode on a single day, June 18, with a record 11 lakh students registered.

UGC-NET determines eligibility for junior research fellowships, assistant professorships, and PhD admissions in Indian universities and colleges.

This decision comes amid widespread allegations of irregularities and question paper leaks in NEET, leading to protests, high court petitions, and a Supreme Court case.

“Regarding alleged irregularities in Patna, a detailed report has been requested from the Economic Offences Unit, Bihar Police. Further action will be taken based on this report,” a senior ministry official said.

“The government is committed to ensuring exam integrity and protecting students’ interests. Any individual or organization involved will face strict action,” the official added.

Also read: Rahul Gandhi slams PM Modi for ‘silence’ on NEET exam issue