The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday expressed grave concern over recurring irregularities and shortcomings in the conduct of the National Eligibility-Cum-Entrance Test (NEET- UG) and directed the Union Government to bring the ‘series of errors’ to a halt. It also sought a comprehensive roadmap from the Centre for transitioning to computer-based testing.
A bench of the top court, comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe made the aforementioned observations while hearing petitions linked to the alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak controversy, clarifying that the judiciary would continue to monitor the developments closely.
The bench remarked, “We cannot let this go on like this,” underscoring the need for systemic reforms to safeguard the integrity of one of India’s largest entrance exams.
Centre directed to elaborate on strategy for shift to CBT mode
The Apex court asked the Centre to elaborate on its strategy for shifting the exam entirely to a Computer-based test (CBT) and the measures it intends to adopt to ensure data security once the same is implemented. The bench said, “Please tell us what you are doing to shift completely to an online mode. Please tell us how you will protect data when we shift to CBT. We will see to it that everything is institutionalised.”
The case will next be heard on August 3, 2026.
Union Govt seeks more time to present comprehensive plan
Representing the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that the Union Government was making every possible effort to address concerns surrounding the exam system.
He submitted that the government was going ‘10 extra miles’ to shield the interests of the students and requested additional time to place a comprehensive, as well as a holistic plan before the court.
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The SC was hearing the case against the backdrop of nationwide concerns over alleged exam irregularities and rising demands for greater transparency and accountability in public recruitment and entrance exams.
Student protests continue at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar
The judicial proceedings coincided with the relentless student protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, which were spearheaded by the social media outfit Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The demonstrators have been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak, which devolved into a row, and have called for sweeping reforms in the conduct of public examinations.
A fresh shot from protests at Jantar Mantar
Govt mulls anti-cheating law
Meanwhile, sources familiar with the development said that the Centre is preparing to ramp up the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 by means of fresh amendments.
A proposal will likely be placed before the Union Cabinet, which is expected to include provisions for dedicated fast-track courts to hear paper leak cases. The Union Government is also considering increasing both the prison terms and penalty amounts for people found guilty of exam-related fraud.