We, the undersigned candidates of the NEET UG 2024, are petitioning for an online retake due to the grave concerns regarding the recent allegations of malpractice, including paper leaks and unfair awarding of grace marks. These issues have significantly undermined the integrity of the examination, affecting the futures of over 24 lakh aspirants.

Key Issues:

1. Paper Leak Allegations: Reports of paper leaks from multiple states such as Bihar, Gujarat, and Odisha have led to numerous arrests and ongoing investigations (Careers360)​(India Today). Despite NTA's denial, the evidence suggests a compromised examination process (India Today)(Careers360)​.
2. Awarding of Grace Marks: The decision to award grace marks has resulted in unprecedented outcomes, including 67 candidates receiving perfect scores (Careers360)​. This has raised serious concerns about the fairness and credibility of the results.

Impact on NRI/OCI and Indian Candidates:

As NRI/OCI candidates, we face unique challenges and have made considerable investments in our NEET UG preparations:

• Financial Burden: Many of us have spent thousands of dollars on travel, accommodation, and other logistical arrangements to take the exam in India. The costs are prohibitive and cannot be incurred again easily.
• Time and Effort: We have dedicated significant time and effort, often while managing academic responsibilities abroad, to prepare for this crucial exam.

Similarly, Indian candidates have also been affected:

• Fairness: Indian students deserve an examination process free from malpractice and discrepancies, ensuring their hard work is fairly evaluated.
• Accessibility: Conducting an online retake would ensure that all students, irrespective of their geographical location within India, can take the exam without the stress of travel and logistical issues.

Given these circumstances, it is not feasible for many of us to travel again for a re-exam. Therefore, we urge the NTA to conduct an online retake of the NEET UG 2024.

Benefits of an Online Retake:

1. Equity and Fairness: An online retake would provide a level playing field for all candidates, ensuring that no one is unfairly disadvantaged due to the alleged malpractices.
2. Logistical Feasibility: Conducting the exam online would eliminate the need for international and domestic travel, reducing financial and logistical burdens.
3. Security and Integrity: With robust digital security measures, an online exam can be conducted with high integrity, preventing issues of paper leaks and ensuring a fair assessment.
4. Health and Safety: An online exam would minimize the risks associated with large gatherings, particularly important in the context of ongoing health concerns.

The NTA has a responsibility to ensure that all candidates, regardless of their location, have a fair and equitable opportunity to compete. By offering an online retake, the NTA would demonstrate its commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and fairness in the examination process.

We, the undersigned, urge the NTA to take immediate action to address these concerns and to provide a fair solution for all affected candidates.