Left-wing student groups have called for a two-day nationwide strike on June 19 and 20 to protest alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical admissions. The controversy erupted after 67 students achieved top scores, with several high scorers hailing from the same exam center in Haryana, raising suspicions of cheating or a paper leak. Students have also alleged the granting of inflated grace marks.

The All India Students' Association (AISA) spearheaded the strike call, criticizing the National Testing Agency (NTA) for corruption and mismanagement in conducting the examination. AISA Delhi State Secretary Neha criticized Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for his silence on the issue, emphasizing the distress experienced by students and parents.

At a New Delhi press conference, NEET aspirants voiced their concerns. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Students Union president Dhananjay condemned the NTA, describing the NEET 2024 irregularities as indicative of a deeper systemic issue. AISA is demanding a re-examination, an independent inquiry into the alleged corruption, and the dissolution of the NTA.

Meanwhile, a group of 20 NEET candidates filed a petition in the Supreme Court, seeking the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2024 exam. They have requested an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or another independent agency, monitored by the Supreme Court.

The central government and the NTA informed the Supreme Court on Thursday that they had revoked the grace marks awarded to 1,563 candidates. These candidates have the option to retake the exam or relinquish the compensatory marks. A retest is scheduled for June 23 for those opting to retake the exam.

The NEET 2024 exam was conducted on May 5 across 4,750 centers, with approximately 24 lakh candidates participating. Results were announced on June 4, ahead of the expected date of June 14.