Fresh SC petition seeks CBT mode for NEET-UG 2026 re-examination

A new writ petition has been moved before the Supreme Court seeking directions to conduct the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination through a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format instead of the current pen-and-paper mode.

The petition has been filed by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Sudhakar Singh, Anubhav Garg, Indian Medical Association (IMA) National Spokesperson Dr Dhruv Chauhan, and Harisharan Devgan.

The plea challenges the recent notification for the NEET-UG re-examination and calls for immediate changes in the examination process for the country's largest medical entrance test.

The petitioners have requested the apex court to direct authorities to adopt a secure CBT framework for the re-test.

According to the plea, a digital examination system could help minimize risks linked to the printing, transportation, storage, and physical handling of question papers.

The petition also seeks broader improvements in the conduct of NEET and measures aimed at strengthening examination security.

The development comes after the original NEET-UG 2026 examination, held on May 3, was cancelled across the country on May 12 following allegations of a paper leak.

The cancellation led to a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and the announcement of a fresh examination scheduled for June 21.

Reports indicated that the controversy gained momentum after investigators reviewed a purported "guess paper" that allegedly matched a significant portion of the actual examination paper.

The findings raised concerns that confidential examination content may have been circulated before the test.

The allegations sparked protests by students and parents in multiple states and intensified scrutiny of the National Testing Agency's examination procedures.

In a related matter, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) and the United Doctors Front (UDF) have separately approached the Supreme Court seeking a comprehensive restructuring of the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The organizations have alleged a "systemic failure" in the conduct of NEET-UG 2026 and have sought a court-monitored mechanism for future examinations, along with the implementation of reforms recommended after previous examination controversies.

The matter remains pending before the Supreme Court. The court has sought responses from the union government, the NTA, and the CBI and has listed the case for further hearing.