The Supreme Court questioned the National Testing Agency over NEET-UG 2026 cancellation and reform steps, seeking details on measures taken to prevent a repeat of the 2024 question paper leak controversy.
A bench pressed NTA officials on examination security architecture, logistics vendors, and accountability mechanisms after widespread student protests disrupted the medical entrance calendar.
The 2024 leak scandal triggered criminal investigations, paper re-tests, and political demands for dismantling or restructuring the agency responsible for nationwide competitive exams.
NEET determines admission to undergraduate medical courses, making integrity failures particularly consequential for millions of aspirants and their families.
The court’s inquiries extend beyond a single cycle to systemic issues such as encrypted question handling, biometrics at centres, and whistle-blower protections for staff.
Education ministry stakeholders attended proceedings as the bench weighed whether cancellation alone suffices without durable safeguards for future cycles.
Coaching centres and student unions have argued that repeated uncertainty damages mental health and wastes preparatory years when exams are postponed or reissued.
NTA counsel outlined revised protocols but faced skeptical questioning about implementation timelines before the 2026 examination window.
Legal observers said Supreme Court supervision could force statutory changes or independent audit mandates if the agency’s answers are deemed inadequate.
Any binding directions from the court will shape how India conducts its largest single-day eligibility test for medical education nationwide.
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Sources:
https://www.business-standard.com/india-news