A NEET UG candidate was arrested and sent to judicial custody after being caught using a mobile phone during the re-examination in Rajasthan. The incident occurred at a test center in Kota, a city known for its coaching hubs, where invigilators spotted the candidate using the device to access information during the exam.
Details of the Incident
The candidate, identified as a male student, was found with a smartphone hidden in his pocket. According to officials, the mobile phone contained screenshots of study material and answer keys. The invigilators immediately alerted the authorities, who confiscated the device and filed a case under the Indian Penal Code and the Rajasthan Examination Act.
The police arrested the candidate on the spot and presented him before a local court, which remanded him to judicial custody for 14 days. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the NEET UG exam, has also initiated a process to cancel his candidature and bar him from future exams.
Security Measures and Response
The Kota district administration has tightened security at exam centers, including the use of metal detectors and jammers. A senior official stated, "We have zero tolerance for cheating. This arrest should serve as a deterrent to others." The NTA has also deployed additional observers to monitor the re-test centers.
This incident is part of a broader crackdown on exam malpractice in India, where the use of electronic devices during competitive exams has been a persistent issue. In 2024, over 100 cases of cheating were reported across various exams, leading to stricter regulations and increased surveillance.
Impact on the Candidate and Future Steps
The candidate now faces legal proceedings that could result in a prison sentence of up to three years under the Rajasthan Examination Act. The NTA has also announced that it will review the security protocols for future exams to prevent similar incidents. Meanwhile, the re-test for other candidates continued smoothly without further disruptions.
