The National Testing Agency (NTA) is facing renewed scrutiny after a section of candidates who appeared for the NIFT 2026 entrance examination alleged discrepancies in their scores, attendance records, and biometric verification process.
The concerns emerged days after the NIFT 2026 results were declared on June 3. Several students took to social media claiming that the marks reflected in their scorecards did not match their expected performance. Others questioned the accuracy of attendance records and the conduct of verification procedures at examination centres.
Students Question CAT Scores and Lack of Transparency
A major area of concern is the Creative Ability Test (CAT), a 100-mark paper consisting of three questions. According to reports, some candidates said they received scores in the range of 15 to 17 marks despite expecting significantly higher marks based on their performance.
Candidates have pointed out that, unlike the General Ability Test (GAT), the CAT does not have a published answer key. This has made it impossible for students to independently verify how their responses were evaluated.
GAT Marks Also Being Disputed
Several aspirants have also challenged their GAT scores. Some claimed that after calculating their probable marks using the official answer key released by NTA, the final scores shown in the result were considerably lower than expected.
The absence of detailed response sheets and transparent evaluation details has added to the frustration among students seeking clarification.
Attendance and Biometric Verification Complaints
Beyond score-related issues, some candidates alleged discrepancies in attendance records. A few claimed they were initially marked absent despite appearing for the exam, while others alleged that candidates who did not take the test were shown as present.
There were also complaints regarding biometric verification. Some students alleged that biometric checks were either not conducted properly or were inadequately implemented at certain examination centres, raising questions about the integrity of the examination process.
NTA Says Only a Limited Number of Grievances Were Received
According to India Today, senior NTA officials stated that only 15 candidates out of nearly 12,000 test-takers had formally approached the agency with result-related grievances. The agency maintained that complaints received directly had been addressed and resolved.
At the same time, NTA acknowledged that concerns had also surfaced on social media platforms. However, several students insist that their issues remain unresolved despite repeated emails and phone calls seeking clarification.
Some Corrections Made, But Questions Remain
Reports suggest that some candidates who were initially marked absent have since received corrected scorecards. Even so, concerns over score discrepancies, attendance records, and examination procedures continue to be raised by a section of NIFT aspirants.
The controversy has renewed broader discussions around transparency in entrance examinations, particularly in subjective papers such as the CAT, where candidates currently have limited means to verify evaluation standards.
