Supreme Court Calls for Reforms in NEET Examination Process

The Supreme Court has called for significant reforms in the NEET examination process, directing the National Testing Agency to report on the implementation of recommendations from key committees. The court highlighted the need for institutional changes to address systemic issues identified in the examination process. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court of the robust safeguards in place to protect the integrity of the exams. This directive follows concerns raised after a paper leak incident, prompting the establishment of committees aimed at enhancing data security and improving the overall structure of the examination system. The ongoing discussions reflect the court's commitment to ensuring a fair and secure examination process for aspiring medical students.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 19, 2026, 16:16 IST

Supreme Court's Directive on NEET Exam Reforms

A file image of candidates outside the NTA examination centre.

New Delhi, Aug 19: The Supreme Court has emphasized the necessity of institutionalizing reforms in the NEET examination process. On Wednesday, the court instructed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to provide updates on the implementation of recommendations from both the Radhakrishnan panel and the Nandan Nilekani committee.

A bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe requested Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to submit a new affidavit regarding the matter.

The bench remarked, "The Radhakrishnan Committee has rightly pointed out that this is a systemic issue requiring institutionalization, which is crucial. While everything appears satisfactory on paper, the situation changes drastically between exams."

This discussion arose during the hearing of multiple petitions, including one from advocate Tanvi Dubey representing the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA).

Initially, Mehta informed the court about the safeguards in place from the printing of the NEET question paper to its distribution to students. He asserted that the current system for NEET exams is robust and secure against breaches.

He explained that various moderators contribute to the question bank without knowing which questions will be included in the final paper.

Additionally, Mehta mentioned that vehicles transporting NEET question papers are equipped with GPS, ensuring that even minor movements are tracked.

The seven-member Radhakrishnan Committee was established by the Ministry of Education following the NEET-UG paper leak to propose reforms in the examination process, enhance data security measures, and improve the structure and operations of the NTA.

The government also formed a high-powered task force led by Infosys co-founder Nilekani to oversee structural reforms in the NEET examination process.