The Centre informed the Supreme Court on Thursday that it will implement all corrective measures recommended by a seven-member expert panel on examination reforms. The panel reviewed the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA) in conducting the NEET-UG examination last year. On August 2, 2024, the Supreme Court declined to annul the NEET-UG 2024 examination, despite controversies, citing insufficient evidence to suggest systemic leaks or malpractice that could compromise the exam’s integrity.
The Supreme Court had also broadened the scope of the seven-member expert panel, led by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan, to evaluate the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) operations and propose reforms aimed at ensuring the NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate) remains transparent and free from malpractice.
Join NEET News 2025 On Thursday, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, informed a bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Manoj Misra that the Centre-appointed committee had submitted its report and the government would implement all its recommendations. “We will implement all the recommendations, and the matter can be listed after six months,” he stated.
The case has been postponed for three months. It will be heard again in April,” the bench said. The full report has not been shared publicly because it includes sensitive details, such as how the questions are printed. Earlier, on October 21 last year, the Supreme Court had given the Centre-appointed seven-member expert panel more time to submit its report on exam reforms.
SC Highlights Multiple Lapses by NTA
The Supreme Court highlighted several lapses by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in conducting the NEET-UG, an entrance exam for undergraduate medical programs. These lapses included a security breach at an exam center in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, where the rear door of the strongroom was opened, allowing unauthorized access to question papers. Other issues flagged were the transportation of question papers via e-rickshaws and the distribution of incorrect question paper sets to candidates.
To address these concerns, the court expanded the scope of the expert panel, headed by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan. The panel includes members such as Randeep Guleria, B.J. Rao, Ramamurthy K., Pankaj Bansal, Aditya Mittal, and Govind Jaiswal. Beyond its original tasks, the committee’s responsibilities now include improving exam security, administration, and data protection, along with technological upgrades. It will also focus on policy development, stakeholder engagement, international collaboration, mental health support for students, and training for NTA staff.
Over 23 lakh students appeared for the NEET-UG in 2024, seeking admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses. In November, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking a review of its August 2 verdict, where it had rejected the call for a fresh NEET-UG 2024 examination.
