The Supreme Court has officially closed the case concerning alleged lapses by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in conducting the NEET-UG 2024 examination. This decision follows the Centre’s assurance that it will implement reforms recommended by a seven-member expert panel, which was formed to address issues in the examination process.
The case initially arose due to multiple reported lapses during the NEET-UG 2024 exam. These included a security breach at an examination center in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, where unauthorized individuals accessed question papers, as well as the transportation of question papers via e-rickshaws and the distribution of incorrect question paper sets to candidates. These incidents raised concerns about the integrity and transparency of the examination process.
In response, the Supreme Court expanded the mandate of the expert panel, chaired by former ISRO Chief K. Radhakrishnan, to thoroughly review the NTA’s operations. The panel was tasked with recommending reforms to enhance examination security, data protection, and technological advancements. It also focused on policy engagement, international collaboration, mental health support for students, and training for NTA staff.
The Centre has accepted all the panel’s recommendations, except for the immediate shift to conducting NEET exams online. The Solicitor General explained that this transition would require significant infrastructure, including reliable internet and computer access for over 26 lakh students across India, which will take time to implement.
The Supreme Court, satisfied with the Centre’s commitment to reform, concluded that no further orders were necessary and disposed of the case. This marks a significant step toward improving the transparency and reliability of the NEET-UG examination process, ensuring a fairer system for aspiring medical students.
