SC stresses permanent NEET reforms, seeks govt's fresh affidavit on NTA measures

The Supreme Court on Aug 19 pressed the Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA) to ensure that reforms in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) are institutionalized and aimed at building a stronger examination system.

A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe sought details on the measures taken to make the medical entrance examination more secure and asked the Centre to explain the implementation of recommendations made by the Radhakrishnan Committee and the Nandan Nilekani Committee.

The bench directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to file a fresh affidavit outlining the steps taken by the Centre and the NTA. The affidavit has to be submitted within three weeks.

"The Radhakrishnan Committee has correctly said it is a systemic problem which needs institutionalisation, which is the most important part of it. This process on paper everything is good. But then one exam happens and by the time the second exam happens it is a new picture all together," the bench said.

The court said the focus should be on establishing a permanent and effective institutional framework rather than relying on temporary measures after every examination-related problem.

It clarified that its intention was not to micro-manage the functioning of the NTA, but stressed that the agency needs structural strengthening to prevent repeated incidents such as question paper leaks.

The bench also emphasized that recommendations should not remain limited to official documents and must be implemented consistently. It asked that the Nandan Nilekani Committee consider useful measures proposed by the Radhakrishnan Committee.

The court was informed that the Nilekani Committee is expected to meet to deliberate on several recommendations, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and stronger security mechanisms for examinations.

During the hearing, Mehta said safeguards have been incorporated throughout the NEET question paper process, from printing to delivery at examination centers. He maintained that the system currently in place is difficult to breach.

Mehta also told the court that vehicles transporting NEET question papers are equipped with GPS systems and that even minor movements are recorded.

The petitions before the Supreme Court include a plea filed by advocate Tanvi Dubey on behalf of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA).

The matter will be heard again after three weeks, when the Centre is expected to submit its fresh affidavit detailing the progress on NEET reforms.