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NTA defends Rs 200 answer key challenge fee
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has defended its Rs 200 per question answer key challenge fee, calling it a system that benefits all candidates. The agency said the fee discourages frivolous objections…
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has defended its Rs 200 per question answer key challenge fee, calling it a system that benefits all candidates. The agency said the fee discourages frivolous objections and is refunded if a candidate's challenge is upheld.
The NTA, facing criticism over issues from the NEET-UG paper leak to errors in UGC-NET exams, made the clarification on X. It said that even if one candidate challenges a question and experts accept it, the revised answer key applies to every exam-taker, not just the challenger.
The agency stressed that the fee is not meant for profit but to ensure genuine challenges. "One accurate challenge from any candidate can correct the record for lakhs of others," it stated, adding that refunds are processed when challenges are found correct.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The NTA's defence comes amid mounting scrutiny of its exam processes, including the NEET-UG paper leak case now before the Supreme Court. The Rs 200 fee per question, while modest, can add up for candidates challenging multiple answers in exams like JEE Main or NEET, which have hundreds of questions. The agency's logic, that one successful challenge benefits all, does not address the upfront cost barrier for students from low-income families. The next major test of the system will be the release of final answer keys for the upcoming JEE Main session, where thousands of challenges are expected.
Watch for the Supreme Court's next hearing on the NEET-UG irregularities, which could set a precedent for challenge fee policies.
Source: telanganatoday.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
