Patna: More than 150 candidates who sat this year’s National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for undergraduate medical courses (NEET-UG) have been identified as “suspicious” following AI-enabled monitoring and CCTV surveillance, with interrogations expected to begin shortly, officials have said.
The nationwide examination, conducted on May 4 by the National Testing Agency (NTA), recorded an attendance rate of 97%. However, authorities said post-exam analysis had revealed multiple instances of suspected malpractice.
According to officials, candidates were flagged through an artificial intelligence-based system that analysed facial recognition data and behavioural patterns captured on CCTV cameras installed across examination centres. Those identified reportedly displayed deviations from standard exam conduct, including unusual gestures, repeated scanning of the room, and attempts to communicate with other candidates.
A monitoring team is expected to question those flagged. Officials said strict action would follow if irregularities are confirmed, including disqualification from the current examination and potential debarment from future tests.
Reports of malpractice have emerged from several centres. Cases under scrutiny include alleged impersonation, the use of mobile phones, and tampering with admit cards. Authorities are also examining claims of exam centre manipulation in cities such as Ajmer and Raipur.
In some instances, discrepancies were noted between candidates’ identification documents and those who appeared for the exam, officials added.
The NTA said it had implemented a three-tier security system for the examination and had been monitoring more than 75 Telegram channels during the exam period to track potential leaks or coordinated malpractice attempts. Despite these measures, the agency acknowledged that the cases identified are being treated with seriousness.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and further action will depend on the outcome of interrogations.
