The National Testing Agency (NTA) on July 22, 2024 , stated that five NEET UG re-test candidates shared digitally fabricated OMR sheets. The agency rejected allegations of errors in the re-examination results. The NTA confirmed that the circulated OMR sheets were manipulated using Artificial Intelligence (AI). These altered sheets included added answers, changed candidate details, and modified invigilator signatures and timings. The agency emphasized that submitting fabricated documents is a criminal offense under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
Fabricated OMR Sheets Detailed
One candidate, Avaneesh Srivastava, reportedly scored 337 marks. An OMR sheet circulated online claimed errors, but the NTA stated the image was not issued by them. The circulated sheet displayed the name "Ajeet Singh, son of Shri Lakhan Singh and Smt. Reena Singh." This name did not match NTA records for the NEET UG examination.
The NTA noted that the printed sections of the circulated sheets showed errors. These were likely caused by AI or Optical Character Recognition (OCR) tools. The agency confirmed Srivastava's results were evaluated correctly as declared.
Pratibha Trivedi, who received 38 marks, also alleged result errors. The NTA stated her score was accurate. They confirmed the circulated OMR sheet was digitally altered. The NTA holds the original sheet on record, which was not significantly changed.
Specific Candidate Claims Refuted
Abhay Yadav claimed he should have received 634 marks, not 164. The NTA responded that Yadav left 44 of the 180 questions unanswered. His score of 164 marks is considered correct.
Lakshya Singh alleged discrepancies. The NTA stated his circulated image showed markings not present on the original. Additional bubbles were shaded digitally to create a fake OMR. Singh attempted 54 questions (34 correct, 20 incorrect) and left 126 blank. His declared score of 116 marks was verified as correct.
Arya Singh claimed their record verification showed a digitally altered image. This included changed invigilator signature timings. The NTA confirmed Singh's score of 167 marks is verified and stands as declared.
The NTA reiterated that all genuine candidate OMR sheets are in their possession. These sheets were also emailed to candidates during the OMR Response Key challenge window.
