The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Centre to bring an end to the "series of errors" surrounding the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG) and sought a comprehensive roadmap for overhauling the examination system. Stressing that temporary fixes would not be enough, the apex court asked the Union government and the National Testing Agency (NTA) to file detailed affidavits explaining the progress made in implementing structural reforms following the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.
A bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe made it clear that reforms must be institutionalised rather than relying on ad hoc arrangements. The court observed that it would closely monitor the implementation of the reforms throughout the year to ensure that a robust and transparent examination framework is put in place.
The Supreme Court directed the Centre and the NTA to submit detailed affidavits outlining the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the High-Powered Committee constituted after the paper leak controversy.
The affidavits must explain the steps taken across multiple areas, including digital infrastructure, examination security, research and development, transparency, governance, administration and human resource management. The court also sought details regarding the establishment of the proposed governing board, expert-led units and stakeholder nominations aimed at strengthening the examination ecosystem.
The bench emphasised that the reforms should become permanent institutional mechanisms rather than temporary responses to crises.
The apex court also directed the Centre to furnish a comprehensive status report covering reforms at every phase of the examination cycle.
These include:
The court also sought details about the role and functioning of the newly appointed Additional Directors General responsible for security, monitoring and vigilance within the examination system.
The judges indicated that once the Centre files its affidavit, the court will assess the implementation status and continue monitoring the progress to ensure complete institutionalisation of reforms.
One of the key issues raised during the hearing was the proposed transition from pen-and-paper examinations to Computer-Based Testing (CBT).
The Supreme Court directed the Centre to provide a detailed roadmap on its plans to gradually shift NEET-UG to a computer-based format. It also sought information on the safeguards proposed for protecting candidates' data and ensuring cybersecurity during online examinations.
The court further asked the government to explain the progress made regarding various testing modalities involving state and district administrations, including:
The bench indicated that these aspects were critical for preventing future irregularities.
During the hearing, Justice PS Narasimha observed that extraordinary measures such as deploying the Indian Air Force for transporting question papers after the paper leak could only serve as temporary solutions.
The court remarked that such arrangements could not become a permanent feature of conducting national-level examinations. Instead, it stressed the need for systemic reforms that eliminate vulnerabilities through institutional mechanisms and technological safeguards.
The observation reflected the court's broader concern that emergency responses should eventually give way to sustainable and efficient examination management systems.
Responding to the court's concerns, the Centre assured that it would place every aspect of the examination process before the bench.
Representing the Union government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that the fresh affidavit would explain the entire chain of examination management—from the printing press where question papers are produced to the point when they reach candidates inside examination halls.
The Centre told the court that it was going "10 extra miles" to address the concerns of students and ensure that every stage of the process remains secure. It also informed the bench that all reform measures are being implemented under the supervision of the highest executive authorities.
Apart from computer-based testing, the Supreme Court also sought details regarding the government's proposal to use advanced technologies for candidate verification.
The bench specifically asked the Centre to explain its plans regarding technologies such as DigiYatra and other digital authentication mechanisms that could strengthen identity verification and reduce impersonation during examinations.
The court observed that these issues had not been adequately addressed in the earlier affidavit filed by the Centre. Accepting the Solicitor General's assurance, the bench permitted the government to file a fresh and more comprehensive affidavit covering all pending aspects.
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