Supreme Court Demands Detailed NEET Reform Plan, Raises Data Security Concerns

The Supreme Court on Friday (July 24, 2026) directed the Union government to submit a detailed response on its proposed overhaul of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), including plans to transition to a computer-based test and measures to protect examination data. The court was hearing a batch of petitions filed by the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), the United Doctors Front (UDF), and others seeking to replace the National Testing Agency (NTA) with an independent statutory body.

A Bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe emphasised the need for systemic reform, noting that deploying the Indian Air Force to transport question papers for this year’s exam was only a temporary fix. “We cannot let such a situation go on like this. We have to focus on institutionalisation… Here, because of what had happened, you deployed the Air Force, but that is only an ad hoc arrangement, not a permanent one,” the Bench observed.

The hearing came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the NEET paper leak controversy for the first time, announcing the creation of fast-track courts to expedite trials in such cases. Protests have been ongoing, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a group demanding accountability.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union government, assured the court that the administration was going “10 extra miles” to address students’ concerns. “I can assure you from my personal knowledge, it is being monitored, supervised, and everything is being done at the highest executive level,” he said.

The court referred to the recommendations of the seven-member High Level Committee of Experts (HLCE), formed by the Ministry of Education in 2024 under former ISRO chairman K. Radhakrishnan. The committee’s report, submitted in October 2024, proposed structural reforms including a shift to computer-based testing. The Bench also noted the NTA’s affidavit on progress made in implementing these recommendations.

Justice Narasimha expressed specific concern about data security in a digital format. “Please reflect on that also and tell us… How is data transferred? How does data protection occur? That’s very important because when you shift to this, leaks could occur, making data unsafe. And the entire thing breaks down,” he said. The judge directed the Centre to file an additional affidavit outlining its roadmap, including the cybersecurity framework, the designated implementation agency, and safeguards against breaches.

Mr. Mehta informed the court that the government might go beyond the committee’s recommendations. “I will present a holistic view if the court grants me time. With children, there cannot be an adversarial approach,” he said. Advocate Tanvi Dubey, for the petitioners, submitted that they too had proposed reforms, including a switch to computer-based testing.

The Bench posted the matter for further hearing on August 3, 2026.