UGC NET 2024: New Exam Dates Announced Amid Paper Leak Controversy : The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the revised dates for the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) 2024 June session. The updated schedule reflects significant changes due to an exam cancellation and subsequent investigations into a paper leak.
Key Dates for UGC NET 2024
- NCET 2024 Exam: July 10, 2024
- Joint CSIR UGC NET: July 25-27, 2024
- UGC NET June 2024 Cycle: August 21 – September 4, 2024
Background on the Exam Cancellation
The initial exam for the June shift was held on June 18, conducted in two shifts across over 317 cities, with more than 9 lakh candidates participating. However, on June 19, the Ministry of Education cancelled the exam, citing concerns about the integrity of the process following a report from the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Ministerial Response
Addressing a press conference, the newly elected Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, stated, “Soon after it was clear that the UGC-NET question paper on the darknet matches the original question paper of UGC-NET, we decided to cancel the examination. We take responsibility and have to rectify the system.”
Investigation Findings
Following a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, it was revealed that the question paper had been leaked on June 16, two days before the scheduled exam. The paper was circulated on the darknet and other encrypted social media channels, allegedly sold for more than 5 lakh rupees.
Impact on CSIR UGC NET
The CSIR UGC NET exam, initially scheduled for June 25-27, was also postponed by the Education Ministry as a precautionary measure. Concerns arose that this exam might face similar integrity issues if conducted as planned.
Exam Administration Changes
In light of these events, the government has undertaken several administrative changes:
- DG Subodh Kumar Singh Removed: Singh was removed from his position.
- IAS Pradeep Singh Kharola Appointed: Kharola has taken over the responsibilities.
Overview of UGC NET
The UGC NET exam is held twice a year, in June and December, to determine eligibility for assistant professorships, grant Junior Research Fellowships, and enroll students in PhD programs in Indian universities. This year, the NTA conducted the UGC NET in pen-paper mode on behalf of UGC, a responsibility previously managed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) until 2018.
FAQs
1. What are the new dates for the UGC NET June 2024 Cycle?
The UGC NET June 2024 Cycle will be held between August 21 and September 4, 2024.
2. Why was the UGC NET June exam cancelled?
The exam was cancelled due to concerns about the integrity of the process following a reported paper leak. The Ministry of Education took this action after receiving inputs from the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre.
3. How was the paper leak discovered?
The paper leak was discovered through a CBI investigation, which found that the question paper had been leaked on June 16, two days before the exam, and circulated on the darknet and encrypted social media channels.
4. Who is responsible for the UGC NET exam administration now?
IAS Pradeep Singh Kharola has taken over the responsibilities from DG Subodh Kumar Singh, who was removed from his position following the paper leak controversy.
5. What is the purpose of the UGC NET exam?
The UGC NET exam determines eligibility for assistant professorships, grants Junior Research Fellowships, and enrolls students in PhD programs in Indian universities. The exam is conducted twice a year, in June and December.
Table: Key Dates and Events for UGC NET 2024
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| NCET 2024 Exam | July 10, 2024 |
| Joint CSIR UGC NET | July 25-27, 2024 |
| UGC NET June 2024 Cycle | August 21 – September 4, 2024 |
| Initial UGC NET June Exam | June 18, 2024 (Cancelled) |
| Paper Leak Discovery | June 16, 2024 |
| UGC NET June Exam Cancellation | June 19, 2024 |
| CSIR UGC NET Postponement Announcement | June 2024 |
For more updates and information, candidates are advised to keep an eye on the official NTA and UGC NET websites.
