SC declines to shift NEET-UG 2026 re-exam to computer-based format
New Delhi, June 1
The Supreme Court on Monday declined to direct the National Testing Agency to conduct the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination in a computer-based test mode, observing that such a direction could not be granted at this stage when authorities were already engaged in conducting the fresh examination scheduled for June 21.
A Bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Aravind Kumar expressed disinclination to entertain the plea seeking an immediate shift from the existing pen-and-paper format to CBT for the re-test and posted the matter for hearing in July.
The apex court's decision effectively means that the re-examination will proceed as scheduled under the current format. Admit cards for the re-test are expected to be released by June 14.
The petition, filed by advocate Satyam Singh Rajput, sought urgent directions for conducting the June 21 re-examination through CBT, contending that repeated paper leak allegations and security lapses had exposed vulnerabilities in the pen-and-paper examination system.
During the hearing, the Justice Narasimha-led Bench observed that there was "no question" of granting such relief at the present stage, observing that the examination had already been cancelled once and was being reconducted.
The Supreme Court said that the issue could be considered on the next date of listing, tagging the matter along with other pending pleas seeking reforms in the functioning of the NTA.
The plea argued that despite recommendations made by a high-level committee headed by former ISRO Chairman K. Radhakrishnan following the 2024 controversy, NEET-UG 2026 was conducted under substantially the same pen-and-paper framework involving physical printing, storage and transportation of confidential examination material.
Last week, while hearing a batch of petitions on examination reforms, the Supreme Court stressed the need to fix individual accountability within the NTA and observed that recurring controversies would continue unless specific responsibility was assigned to officials handling different aspects of the examination process.
The Centre had informed the Justice Narasimha-led Bench that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was personally monitoring the situation following the NEET-UG 2026 controversy.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The Supreme Court's logic makes sense though—you can't suddenly change format when the re-exam is just weeks away. But the bigger problem is the NTA's repeated failures. Last year's NEET fiasco was a national embarrassment, and now again? Accountability must be fixed, not just for individual officials but for the whole system. PM Modi's personal concern is good, but action is needed.
As a parent of a student who wrote NEET last year, I feel for these kids. The uncertainty is terrible. CBT is the obvious solution—look at how JEE Main and GATE do it. Why does NTA keep avoiding it? Cost? Infrastructure? Then build it gradually! Don't make students pay for systemic failures. The court should have given a time-bound direction.
I'm an Indian living abroad, but this resonates. Back home, every competitive exam seems to have security issues. Pen-and-paper is indeed vulnerable—printing, storing, transporting—a lot can go wrong. I understand the court's rationale for not changing immediately, but this needs to be a long-term priority. India's education system deserves better, yaar.
Honestly, I'm tired of hearing 'PM is monitoring'. Fine, but where are the concrete reforms? The Radhakrishnan committee was formed after 2024 mess—and what happened? Nothing. If the government really wants to stop leaks, they should make exams fully digital. Plus, fix accountability at NTA—fire people who mess up. Students' mental health is at stake here.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.