Image Credits-India Today
The Supreme Court of India on Monday dismissed a petition challenging the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) decision to conduct a re-test for the National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) on August 21. The re-test has been scheduled for candidates who faced technical issues during the original examination held earlier this year.
The petitioners, a group of candidates who had successfully completed the initial test, argued that the re-test was unfair and would disadvantage those who had already performed well. They contended that conducting a re-examination could lead to inconsistencies in the evaluation process, potentially altering the merit list and affecting their chances of selection.
However, the Supreme Court, led by a bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra rejected the plea, affirming the UGC’s authority to ensure a fair and equitable examination process. The bench observed that the UGC’s decision to hold a re-test was made in the larger interest of fairness and to provide an equal opportunity for all candidates, particularly those who encountered technical difficulties during the initial examination.
The court emphasized that the integrity of the examination process is paramount and that the UGC must be allowed to take necessary steps to rectify any irregularities. “Ensuring a level playing field is essential in competitive examinations, and the re-test aims to achieve that,” the bench noted in its ruling.
The UGC-NET, a highly competitive exam that determines eligibility for assistant professorships and junior research fellowships across Indian universities and colleges, is a critical gateway for academic careers. The re-test is expected to impact a significant number of candidates, with the UGC assuring that all logistical arrangements have been made to conduct the examination smoothly.
The Supreme Court’s decision has brought clarity to the situation, allowing the UGC to proceed with its plans for the August 21 re-test. The ruling underscores the judiciary’s support for measures that uphold the fairness and integrity of competitive examinations in India.