SC Pulls Up NTA Over NEET 2026 Leak, Seeks Reform Report

Supreme Court Pulls Up NTA Over NEET UG 2026 Leak, Seeks Reform Status Report after taking serious note of the recurring controversy surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG). The apex court on May 25, 2026, criticised the National Testing Agency (NTA) for allegedly failing to implement meaningful reforms despite the major NEET paper leak controversy reported in 2024.

The court directed both the NTA and former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan, who headed the high-powered reform committee constituted after the 2024 controversy, to submit affidavits within three days detailing the steps taken to improve examination security and transparency

Supreme Court Questions NTA Over Repeat NEET Controversy

During the hearing, the Supreme Court bench comprising Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe reportedly expressed concern over repeated irregularities in the NEET examination process. The bench observed that the examination authority appeared to have “not learnt its lesson” despite earlier warnings and judicial scrutiny.

The matter came up after petitions were filed seeking structural reforms in the conduct of national-level entrance examinations and transparency in the ongoing investigation into the alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak.

NEET UG 2026 Leak Allegations Trigger Fresh Concerns

The NEET UG 2026 examination was conducted on May 03, 2026, across more than 5,400 examination centres nationwide. Around 22.7 lakh candidates reportedly appeared for the medical entrance examination this year.

However, controversy erupted after a “guess paper” circulating on messaging platforms allegedly matched several questions from the final examination paper. Reports indicated that the leaked material was circulated through coaching networks operating in multiple cities including Sikar, Jaipur, Gurugram, and Nashik. Following the allegations, the NTA cancelled the examination on May 12, 2026, and announced a re-examination scheduled for June 21, 2026.

What Is the K Radhakrishnan Reform Committee?

After the NEET UG 2024 controversy, the central government constituted a high-level reform committee headed by former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan to suggest structural reforms in the functioning of the National Testing Agency. The committee reportedly submitted its recommendations in October 2024, focusing on:

• Strengthening examination security
• Technology-driven monitoring systems
• Improved paper distribution mechanisms
• Transition towards computer-based testing
• Better audit and tracking systems

Petitioners in the present case have alleged that several key recommendations were either delayed or not implemented effectively.

Supreme Court Seeks Affidavits From NTA and Reform Panel

The Supreme Court has now directed:

• The National Testing Agency (NTA)
• K Radhakrishnan-led reform committee officials

to file detailed affidavits explaining the implementation status of the reform recommendations issued after the 2024 controversy. The court has also sought information regarding the functioning of the monitoring committee established in November 2024 to oversee the implementation process.

Parliamentary Panel Also Reviews NTA Reforms

The NEET paper leak controversy has also reached Parliament. A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education has summoned senior NTA officials and Education Ministry representatives to review:

• Progress of NTA reforms
• Investigation into the leak allegations
• Implementation of the K Radhakrishnan committee report

The committee is expected to assess whether corrective measures introduced after the 2024 controversy were properly enforced.

NTA and Government Face Pressure for Structural Changes

The repeated controversies surrounding NEET examinations have intensified demands for major reforms in India’s entrance examination system. Several organisations, student groups, and education experts have raised concerns over examination security, transparency, and accountability.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently stated that future NEET examinations may transition towards a computer-based format to reduce risks of paper leaks and strengthen security mechanisms.

NEET UG 2026 Re-Exam Scheduled for June 21

The NTA has already announced that the NEET UG 2026 re-examination will be conducted on June 21, 2026 following the cancellation of the earlier examination. Fresh admit cards, revised examination centres, and updated guidelines are expected to be released before the re-test. Candidates are advised to regularly monitor official NTA announcements regarding:

• Re-exam schedule
• Admit card release
• Examination city details
• Revised security protocols

The Supreme Court is expected to continue hearing the matter after receiving affidavits from the NTA and the reform committee officials.