The Supreme Court on Monday formally closed the case questioning the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA) in conducting the NEET-UG examination in 2024. This decision came after the Centre assured the court of its commitment to implementing exam reforms based on the recommendations of a specially constituted expert panel.
While passing the order, a bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi took note of the Centre’s compliance reports and submissions made by Attorney General Tushar Mehta. The court acknowledged the steps taken by the government in response to the concerns raised over the conduct of the medical entrance exam.
According to Mehta, the government has accepted nearly all the recommendations made by the seven-member expert committee, with the exception of one proposal—that the NEET exam be temporarily conducted online. He explained that this particular recommendation requires further consideration, particularly given the digital divide across various regions in India. With over 26 lakh students appearing for NEET annually, the government must weigh logistical concerns, such as availability of computers and internet connectivity in remote areas.
“This will take some time,” Mehta informed the court. “However, the report of the expert panel has been accepted in principle.” He further stated, “It can be disposed of,” suggesting that there was no remaining issue requiring adjudication. The bench concurred, observing that in light of the submissions and reforms already in motion, no further order was necessary.
The NEET-UG 2024 had stirred controversy amid allegations of irregularities and mismanagement. However, the Supreme Court, in its judgment on August 2, 2023, declined to annul the exam, citing a lack of substantial evidence pointing to a large-scale leak or misconduct that could compromise the integrity of the examination.
The closure of the case marks a significant step toward rebuilding trust in the NTA’s functioning. The expert panel’s broader mandate includes recommendations on examination security, data protection, improved administration, student wellness, and training of personnel—paving the way for a more reliable and transparent assessment system in the future.
Why, despite the paper leak incident, the government refused to conduct the NEET UG 2025 online?
The seven-member expert committee, led by former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K. Radhakrishnan, was granted enhanced autonomy to thoroughly examine the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and propose reforms aimed at ensuring that the NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduates) is conducted with greater transparency and accuracy.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the committee, appointed by the Centre, submitted its detailed report on January 2, 2024. He further assured the bench that the Union Government is committed to implementing all the recommendations made by the panel in its entirety.
Previously, the Supreme Court had extended the deadline for the committee to file its report, allowing additional time until October 21, 2023. The NTA conducts NEET-UG for candidates aspiring to pursue undergraduate medical courses such as MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and others. The 2024 edition of the exam witnessed over 23 lakh students vying for medical seats across the country.
In its earlier hearings, the apex court broadened the scope of the committee’s mandate, raising serious concerns about multiple lapses on the NTA’s part. Among the critical issues flagged was a security breach at an exam centre in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, where the strongroom’s back door was allegedly opened, and unauthorized individuals gained access to the question papers. Additionally, question papers were reportedly transported in e-rickshaws, and incorrect paper sets were distributed to students at some centres.
The committee also comprised eminent members such as Dr. Randeep Guleria, B.J. Rao, Ramamurthy K, Pankaj Bansal, Aditya Mittal, and Govind Jaiswal. The bench underscored that the panel’s scope should not be limited to administrative errors but must also cover areas such as data security, technological upgrades, and overall examination safety.
Moreover, the court directed the committee to propose robust policies concerning stakeholder engagement, international collaboration, and comprehensive training programs for NTA staff. It also emphasized the need to introduce student support systems, including mental wellness services, to help aspirants manage exam-related stress.
In November 2023, the Supreme Court had also rejected a plea to revisit its August 2 judgment that declined permission to reconduct the NEET-UG 2024 examination, solidifying its stance on letting the existing process proceed with the reforms in place.
Why did the Supreme Court close the NEET-UG 2024 case?
The Supreme Court closed the NEET-UG 2024 case after the Centre assured it would implement all recommendations made by the expert panel that investigated the exam’s conduct and functioning of the NTA. The court found no further legal grounds to continue the case.
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