The question paper for the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) which took place on Tuesday, had been leaked 48 hours prior, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sources told NDTV.
As per the report, the UGC-NET exam paper was sold on the dark web and encrypted social media platforms for ₹ 6 lakh.
Also Read: NEET, UGC-NET 2024 row: 10 year jail term, ₹1 Cr fine as punishments in new ‘anti-paper leak’ law
NDTV reported, citing sources, that the origin of the leak remains unclear at present. The CBI will collaborate with the National Testing Agency (NTA), which administers competitive exams, to investigate further, it said.
The role of coaching centres, where many aspirants enroll at significant expense with the aim of passing exams such as NET, NEET, and civil service entrance tests, is also under scrutiny, sources told NDTV.
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CBI officials may visit some of these centres as part of their investigation, it added.
CBI registered a case against unidentified individuals for compromising the integrity of the UGC NET exam held on June 18. The CBI stated that the case was filed under IPC Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) based on a complaint the Secretary of the Department of Education lodged.
To ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity of the examination process, the Ministry of Education, Government of India has decided that the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination be cancelled.
Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the government will set up a high-level committee to look into the functioning of NTA and recommend reforms.
Also Read: Government forms panel to improve NTA as NEET, UGC-NET controversies rage
“The government is going to form a high-level committee regarding reforms in NTA. The committee will be expected to make recommendations to further improve NTA, its structure, functioning, examination process, transparency and data security protocols. Zero-error testing is our commitment,” Pradhan said at a press conference.
Meanwhile, Dharmendra Pradhan said the government will set up a high-level committee to investigate the functioning of NTA and recommend reforms.
“The government is going to form a high-level committee regarding reforms in NTA. The committee will be expected to make recommendations to further improve NTA, its structure, functioning, examination process, transparency and data security protocols. Zero-error testing is our commitment,” Pradhan said at a press conference.
(With inputs from agencies)