The Supreme Court on Friday sought an affidavit from the Union Government on key aspects relating to the conduct of the NEET-UG 2026 examination, observing that its objective is to institutionalise the National Testing Agency (NTA) and put in place safeguards to prevent any recurrence of examination irregularities.
A Bench of Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe was hearing a batch of petitions arising out of the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. At the outset, the Bench directed the Government to place on record its response on crucial issues concerning the examination process, indicating that the Court was looking beyond the present dispute towards systemic reforms in the functioning of the NTA.
Appearing for the National Testing Agency, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that the Government was “working 10 extra miles” and was willing to consider suggestions emanating from the Court to strengthen the examination system.
During the hearing, Advocate Tanvi Dubey, appearing for the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), informed the Court that the petitioners had prepared a comprehensive set of suggestions in view of the Government’s decision to conduct NEET-UG in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next year.
She submitted that with nearly 22 lakh candidates expected to take the examination in CBT format, the authorities should release a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) well in advance, outlining the safeguards and procedures to be followed at every stage of the examination, including pre-examination preparations, conduct of the examination, and post-examination processes. She also urged the Court to direct the authorities to provide demo test papers and mock CBT examinations sufficiently in advance so that students could familiarise themselves with the new examination format before appearing for the test.
Taking note of the submissions, the Bench adjourned the matter to August 3 and directed the Union Government to file its affidavit before the next date of hearing addressing the issues raised during the proceedings.