The Centre on Wednesday announced the cancellation of the UGC-NET June 2024 examination due to prima facie indications of compromised integrity.

“To ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity of the examination process, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has decided to cancel the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination,” the education ministry said in a statement.

“A fresh examination will be conducted, with details to be shared separately. Simultaneously, the matter is being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (C.B.I.) for a thorough investigation,” the ministry added.

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UGC Chairperson M. Jagadesh Kumar stated that around 81 percent of the over 11.21 lakh registered candidates appeared for the NET exam in 317 cities across the country.

The UGC-NET is an examination to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for the positions of ‘Assistant Professor’ and ‘Junior Research Fellowship and Assistant Professor’ in Indian universities and colleges. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, the examination is held twice a year (June and December). To regularize the UGC-NET examination cycle, the NTA, with the concurrence of the UGC, conducted the June 2023 exam in 83 subjects across selected cities nationwide. Awarding of the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and/or Eligibility for Assistant Professorship depends on the aggregate performance in Paper-I and Paper-II of UGC-NET.

This development comes amid controversy surrounding the NEET exam, which is facing allegations of irregularities.

Regarding the NEET exam, the education ministry said, “The issue related to grace marks in the NEET (UG) Examination-2024 has been fully addressed. Concerning alleged irregularities in Patna, a detailed report has been sought from the Economic Offences Unit, Bihar Police. The government will take further action upon receipt of this report.”

“The government is committed to ensuring the sanctity of examinations and protecting the interests of students. It is reiterated that any individual or organization found to be involved in this matter will face the strictest action,” the ministry added.