Recently, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2024 results were announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Notably, 67 students achieved an all India rank one, marking a significant achievement. However, this development has sparked controversy and raised several important questions.

NTA
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Parents and students have expressed concern over some candidates receiving higher marks compared to the previous year. Among the top performers, 67 students share the coveted rank one. Interestingly, six of these students hail from the same examination center in Haryana.

Normalization Criteria and Grace Marks

Alakh Pandey, founder of PhysicsWallah, has demanded transparency regarding the normalization criteria used for NEET results. Many theories have emerged due to the current situation, and students are seeking clarity from the NTA.

Unprecedentedly, over 100 grace marks were awarded, a departure from the historical norms of Indian exams. Consequently, the ranking system has become hyperinflated, with 67 students achieving a perfect score of 720/720. The concentration of top performers from a single center has raised further doubts.

NTA’s Response

In response to the outcry, NTA officials explained that they received representations from students and high courts (including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Chhattisgarh) regarding time loss during the exam.

A committee was formed to address this issue, and it devised a formula based on a 2018 judgment by the apex court. Candidates who experienced time loss were compensated with grace marks, impacting scores at specific centers.

Additionally, discrepancies arose from the use of different editions of NCERT textbooks. While one option was correct according to the new textbook, another option aligned with the older version.

Consequently, NTA assigned five marks to students who marked either of the two options. This adjustment increased the scores of 44 students from 715 to 720, resulting in more top-ranking candidates.

Notably, the exam paper was comparatively easier this time, contributing to the overall increase in student scores.

To address identical scores, NTA will use a “tie-breaking” formula. Candidates excelling in Biology will receive preference, followed by Chemistry and Physics. Subsequently, the proportion of attempted incorrect and correct answers across all subjects will be considered for allocation.

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