NTA clarifies NEET UG 2024 result controversy

The National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the results of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2024 on June 4, 2024. This year, 67 candidates achieved NEET All India Rank (AIR) 1, each with a percentile score of 99.997129. Notably, several candidates scored 718 and 719 marks, sparking controversy and confusion among students and educators, as traditionally it was believed impossible to score these marks due to the scoring structure. Typically, after 720 marks, the next possible scores would be 716, excluding 718.

The NTA addressed these concerns, clarifying that the discrepancy arose from the allocation of grace marks. This year, some candidates reported a loss of examination time during the test on May 5, 2024. Following representations and court cases from affected candidates, the NTA implemented a normalisation formula, as devised and adopted by the Supreme Court in a judgment dated June 13, 2018. This formula was used to address the time loss experienced by these candidates.

The NTA explained that the loss of examination time was verified, and affected candidates were compensated with grace marks. This adjustment allowed for scores such as 718 or 719 to be achieved, which would not be possible under normal scoring conditions. The NTA’s clarification aimed to resolve the confusion surrounding the unexpected marks.

A social media post by a user named Indian Doctor highlighted that candidates with sequences starting with specific numbers from the same exam centre scored 718 and 719. The post suggested that these candidates received grace marks, as explained by the NTA.

The NTA’s explanation emphasises the agency’s efforts to ensure fairness and accuracy in the examination process, addressing candidates’ concerns and implementing necessary measures to compensate for any disruptions experienced during the exam.