The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre, the National Testing Agency (NTA), and other authorities regarding pleas for structural reforms in the NEET-UG examination. This includes a shift to computer-based testing (CBT) following the alleged 2026 paper leak controversy. Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe directed the concerned parties to respond and scheduled further hearings for May 29.
During the proceedings, the court expressed disappointment over the integrity concerns surrounding NEET-UG 2024 despite previous recommendations for improvement. The apex court highlighted the need for compliance with the recommendations of a committee formed after the 2024 controversy. The NTA has been instructed to provide details on the status of implementing the committee’s recommendations.
In response to petitions by various groups seeking accountability and reforms in NEET-UG, the court directed the NTA to clarify its compliance with the monitoring committee’s recommendations. The petitions advocate for a shift to fully computer-based testing, citing vulnerabilities in the current pen-and-paper format. They also call for the establishment of a new independent examination authority with advanced technological safeguards.
The pleas also raise concerns about the NTA’s performance and propose the dissolution of the agency in its current form. They advocate for the formation of a court-monitored committee to oversee examination reforms and the adoption of advanced security measures like biometric verification and AI-based surveillance. Additionally, the petitions demand strict legal action against those involved in paper leaks and cheating incidents.
