UGC NET 2024 scam: Question paper might have leaked on the darknet, CBI probe underway
NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday evening addressed the growing concerns regarding the recent cancellation of the UGC-NET exam and the ongoing NEET controversy. In light of alleged paper leaks, the Ministry of Education has taken significant steps to ensure the integrity of these national examinations.
In a recent development on the UGC-NET exam cancellation amid Centre’s concerns over its integrity, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed an FIR in connection with the UGC-NET exam paper leak case under sections of criminal conspiracy and cheating.
Joint Secretary of the Education Ministry, Govind Jaiswal, stated that the decision to cancel the exam was taken suo-motu based on inputs indicating the exam had been compromised. The exam, conducted by the NTA on June 18, saw participation from approximately 9 lakh students.
Evidence of compromise
Investigations revealed that the leaked question paper appeared on the darknet and matched the original paper. This discovery led to the immediate cancellation of the exam to protect the students’ interests. The dark web, an encrypted and often illegal part of the internet, played a crucial role in this breach.
What is darknet, how can one access it?
The darknet, a hidden layer of the internet, exists beneath the surface web that we access with regular browsers. Unlike familiar websites, these darknet sites require specific software like the Tor browser to navigate. Tor anonymizes your online activity by routing traffic through a series of servers, making it nearly impossible to track your location or identity.
This anonymity attracts both legitimate users seeking privacy, such as journalists or activists in restricted countries, and those engaging in illegal activities. While the darknet offers a space for free speech and information sharing outside of censorship, it’s also a breeding ground for criminal marketplaces selling stolen data among other kinds of contraband.
Future actions and investigations
The Ministry of Education has committed to conducting the UGC-NET June session exam afresh, with new dates to be announced soon. The CBI continues its investigation to identify those responsible for compromising the exam’s integrity. Over 11 lakh students had registered for the UGC-NET exam, highlighting the significant impact of this decision.
Political reactions and protests
The cancellation has sparked significant political and public backlash. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attributed the paper leaks to the influence of the BJP and RSS on educational institutions, calling for systemic changes to prevent future occurrences. This sentiment was echoed by various student unions, leading to protests and calls for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Mallikarjun Kharge, in a Hindi post on X, questioned Narendra Modi ji’s focus on discussions about exams, asking, “When will you conduct ‘NEET pareeksha pe charcha’?” He emphasized that the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam reflects the determination and passion of lakhs of students.
In a recent development on the UGC-NET exam cancellation amid Centre’s concerns over its integrity, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed an FIR in connection with the UGC-NET exam paper leak case under sections of criminal conspiracy and cheating.
Joint Secretary of the Education Ministry, Govind Jaiswal, stated that the decision to cancel the exam was taken suo-motu based on inputs indicating the exam had been compromised. The exam, conducted by the NTA on June 18, saw participation from approximately 9 lakh students.
Evidence of compromise
Investigations revealed that the leaked question paper appeared on the darknet and matched the original paper. This discovery led to the immediate cancellation of the exam to protect the students’ interests. The dark web, an encrypted and often illegal part of the internet, played a crucial role in this breach.
What is darknet, how can one access it?
The darknet, a hidden layer of the internet, exists beneath the surface web that we access with regular browsers. Unlike familiar websites, these darknet sites require specific software like the Tor browser to navigate. Tor anonymizes your online activity by routing traffic through a series of servers, making it nearly impossible to track your location or identity.
This anonymity attracts both legitimate users seeking privacy, such as journalists or activists in restricted countries, and those engaging in illegal activities. While the darknet offers a space for free speech and information sharing outside of censorship, it’s also a breeding ground for criminal marketplaces selling stolen data among other kinds of contraband.
Future actions and investigations
The Ministry of Education has committed to conducting the UGC-NET June session exam afresh, with new dates to be announced soon. The CBI continues its investigation to identify those responsible for compromising the exam’s integrity. Over 11 lakh students had registered for the UGC-NET exam, highlighting the significant impact of this decision.
Political reactions and protests
The cancellation has sparked significant political and public backlash. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attributed the paper leaks to the influence of the BJP and RSS on educational institutions, calling for systemic changes to prevent future occurrences. This sentiment was echoed by various student unions, leading to protests and calls for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Mallikarjun Kharge, in a Hindi post on X, questioned Narendra Modi ji’s focus on discussions about exams, asking, “When will you conduct ‘NEET pareeksha pe charcha’?” He emphasized that the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam reflects the determination and passion of lakhs of students.
ALSO READ: Admit cards of UGC NET candidates were not retained by authorities as against NTA instructions
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