SC seeks stronger reforms in NEET examination system

Concerns over the integrity of competitive examinations continue to draw judicial scrutiny across the country.

In the latest hearing on the NEET paper leak case, the Supreme Court directed the Central Government to eliminate recurring lapses and establish a more reliable examination framework.

A special bench, consisting of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe, stated that the court would closely monitor the matter and ensure long-term institutional reforms.

The judges stressed that temporary solutions were insufficient and called for a structured system to prevent future irregularities.

Additionally, the bench questioned the government’s preparedness for shifting NEET to a fully computer-based test (CBT) format.

The court specifically sought details on measures to safeguard candidate data and maintain cybersecurity once the examination moves online.

Representing the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the government was making every possible effort to strengthen the examination process.

He requested additional time to present a comprehensive plan, assuring the bench that reforms were being implemented under the highest level of supervision.

However, the court expressed dissatisfaction with temporary arrangements adopted so far. Justice Narasimha observed that deploying the Air Force to transport question papers during the NEET-UG retest was only an ad hoc solution.

He remarked that such stopgap measures had persisted for years and emphasised the need for permanent institutional mechanisms.

Meanwhile, Advocate Tanvi Dubey, appearing for the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), urged the court to seek a detailed standard operating procedure for the proposed CBT model.

She requested clarity on how the National Testing Agency would conduct the examination from next year.

Furthermore, the bench asked the government to explain the steps being taken to improve transparency, implement the recommendations of the Radhakrishnan Committee, and adopt best practices similar to the IIT examination model.

Responding to these concerns, Mehta stated that the government was preparing a detailed report that would extend beyond the committee’s recommendations.

He reiterated that protecting students’ futures remained the government’s priority and assured the court that significant reforms were underway.

The Supreme Court has now directed the Centre to submit its detailed report, while the matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 27.

The upcoming proceedings are expected to provide greater clarity on the roadmap for strengthening the NEET examination system.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image published on February 12, 2017

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/685232