NEW DELHI – India's Supreme Court is actively considering a petition to transition the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) to a computer-based examination model. The deliberations follow significant controversy surrounding alleged paper leaks and the subsequent cancellation of the NEET-UG exam held on May 3, 2026, which necessitated a re-examination.
Court Seeks Safeguards for Online Transition
During a recent hearing, a bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe acknowledged the potential benefits of an online format but emphasized the critical need for robust safeguards. The court specifically highlighted concerns about cybersecurity and database protection, stating that any shift from physical to online mode would require innovative and additional measures to ensure integrity.
The plea, filed by RJD MP Sudhakar Singh, seeks comprehensive structural reforms within the National Testing Agency (NTA) following the integrity issues. The Supreme Court indicated that this petition would be heard in conjunction with other pending cases addressing reforms in the examination system. The next hearing is scheduled for August 3.
High-Level Committee Formed for Overhaul
Representing the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the government is taking the matter with utmost seriousness. A high-level committee has been constituted to undertake a complete overhaul of the NEET examination system. This panel, announced by the Prime Minister, is chaired by renowned technology expert Nandan Nilekani.
The committee boasts a distinguished lineup of members, including former ISRO chief S. Somanath, former Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, former Education Secretary Anita Karwal, and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena. Their collective expertise is expected to guide the government in implementing lasting reforms to restore confidence in the NEET process.
Previous Developments and Ongoing Investigations
The Supreme Court had previously declined an urgent hearing on June 1 for Singh's plea, which requested the NEET-UG 2026 re-test to be conducted in a computer-based format. The initial NEET-UG exam, held on May 3, was canceled by the NTA on May 12 amidst mounting allegations of a paper leak. The re-test took place on June 21, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently investigating the alleged leak.
The ongoing judicial review and the government's reform efforts underscore the national imperative to ensure fairness and transparency in critical entrance examinations like NEET, which determine the future of countless aspiring medical professionals.