A Controversial Question Shakes the Medical Aspirants’ World
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to release a revised merit list for the NEET-UG exam, a development that will significantly impact the fortunes of thousands of medical aspirants. The decision comes after a comprehensive review by IIT-Delhi, at the behest of the Supreme Court, determined that only one of the options in a contentious physics question was correct.
Initially, the NTA had deemed two options as correct, a decision that benefited a large number of candidates. However, the subsequent clarification has thrown the results into disarray. The revised merit list, expected to be released on Friday, will see a dramatic reduction in the number of toppers, from a staggering 61 to a mere 17.
A Ripple Effect Across Ranks
The implications of this change extend far beyond the top ranks. Approximately 4.2 lakh candidates, including the 44 who initially secured perfect scores of 720, will be affected by the deduction of five marks for choosing the incorrect option. The most severe impact is predicted for candidates ranking between 50,000 and 1 lakh. Over 16,000 students in this bracket, who were previously likely to secure a coveted medical seat, now face the grim possibility of being excluded from the competition altogether.
While the 44 students who once held the top spot will no longer enjoy that distinction, their overall ranks are expected to fall within the 33,000 to 50,000 range. Nevertheless, this shift in ranking could significantly influence their chances of securing seats in government medical colleges, which are highly sought after due to their superior infrastructure and lower fees.
A Game-Changer for Medical Admissions
The NEET-UG exam is a highly competitive entrance test for admission to medical colleges across India. With over 24 lakh aspirants vying for approximately 1.08 lakh medical seats, every mark counts. The revised merit list is expected to intensify the competition for the limited seats available, especially in government institutions.
The NTA’s decision to modify the answer key has sparked controversy and raised questions about the fairness of the examination process. Many students and parents have expressed their disappointment and frustration over the situation, as it has significantly impacted their aspirations of pursuing a career in medicine.
As the revised merit list is imminent, the nation watches with bated breath as the fates of countless medical aspirants hang in the balance. The implications of this decision will be far-reaching, affecting not only the students but also the medical education sector as a whole.