CBSE to ensure uniformity of NEET questions

11-Aug-17

NEET Questions to be Uniform

The Supreme Court asked CBSE on 10th Aug to ensure the uniformity of NEET Question papers (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test) in English, Hindi and all regional languages from 2018 to avoid complaint of unequal competition. The court, however, iterated is decision not to be set aside the 2017 NEET results or stay the ongoing counselling for medical (MBBS and BDS) admissions arose the country as it might disturb the process involving the careers of over 6 lakh students.

"We want commonality in exams and identical question papers in English, Hindi and regional languages (from) nextyear. We want you (CBSE) to consult experts and file an affidavit as to how you are going to implement uniformity of NEET standards," a bench of Justices  told additional solicitor-general Maninder Singh, appearing for CBSE.

On June 12,SC had cleared the decks for the declaration of this year's NEET results for admission to MBBS and BDS courses across the country, staying a Madras High Court order that had poor an embargo on the publishing on the ground that it would be subject to the final outcome of a batch of petitions filed by students challenging the exams. The students had claimed that the questions in Tamil and other regional languages were comparatively easier than those in English, alleging violation of Article 14 of the Constitution that guarantees equality.

Hence, SC pulled up CBSE for setting different NEETquestion papers in English, Hindi and regional languages. The court told senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for some students, that it would be difficult to disturb the admission process as over 6 lakh students had passed NEET this year.

The bench said if the questions are uniform across languages, it will help the students select the language of their choice. Justice Misra said that if the NEET questions are uniform, the evaluation of the students will also be uniform. He adorned the matter to10th October.