The MPs were demonstrating against a recent dispute surrounding a significant national exam that is under the purview of Mr. Pradhan’s ministry.
Hundreds of thousands of prospective physicians take the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET-UG, each year, and admission to medical schools is determined by the test takers’ scores.
Since the exam’s launch, there have been many protests and strong resistance to it. However, this year’s controversy was especially intense since many students had unusually high test results, making it difficult for even top scorers to get into prestigious universities.
Since then, a number of issues have been brought up about the exam’s administration, and reports of widespread cheating and paper leaks have devastated many students.
Among them is Komal, an 18-year-old from the northern state of Haryana, who studied for the NEET during a gap year and received a score that would be deemed “decent.” She has enrolled in a BSc degree course as a backup plan, though, since she is concerned that she won’t obtain a seat.
She declares, “I’ve made the decision to retake the exam next year, but I’m afraid that this controversy can recur.”
