The National Testing Agency (NTA) is developing a system to allow candidates to access old NEET scorecards through DigiLocker. This initiative followed a Central Information Commission hearing. The NTA aims to make past results retrievable for verification and other official purposes.
DigiLocker Access for Past Scorecards
Candidates will soon be able to retrieve previous NEET scorecards. The NTA is building a DigiLocker integration. This system will require candidate authentication. It will enable access to scorecards from earlier years. This development addresses a current challenge for students needing older records.
RTI Appeal Highlights Data Retention Issues
The NTA's plan emerged during an RTI appeal. A NEET UG 2020 candidate requested her scorecard. She also sought confirmation of her qualification status. These documents were needed for the National Board of Examinations. The examination was for Foreign Medical Graduate Examination eligibility verification.
The NTA informed the commission that result records are kept for only 90 days. This is from the date of result declaration. The agency cited Clause 15.6 of its Information Bulletin. The RTI request was filed after this period ended.
Appellant's Argument and Commissioner's Ruling
The candidate argued that NEET qualification status is a permanent record. She stated its necessity for FMGE eligibility. She contended that denying this information violated public authority record-keeping duties under the RTI Act.
Information Commissioner Sudha Rani Relangi upheld the NTA's stance. She stated the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) provides existing records. The CPIO is not obligated to create new information. This ruling reinforces the importance of the planned DigiLocker system.
Future Implications for Candidates
The upcoming DigiLocker feature will simplify access to NEET results. Candidates will not face difficulties retrieving older scorecards. This is for future admission or verification processes. The NTA's proactive measure aims to resolve past access limitations.
