Supreme Court Declines Urgent Hearing on NEET UG 2026 Re-Test Petitions
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to grant an urgent hearing on two separate petitions challenging the proposed NEET UG re-examination scheduled for June 21. The petitioners had sought a reconsideration of the feasibility of the re-test date, requesting instead that authorities announce a new schedule allowing candidates adequate preparation time.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Suryakant and Justice V. Mohan stated that these matters would be taken up in July, once the apex court resumes its regular functioning after the summer recess. During the proceedings, Chief Justice Suryakant made it clear that all cases pertaining to NEET would be heard by a bench led by Justice P.S. Narasimha.
Next Hearing Scheduled for July
A lawyer appearing for the petitioners had requested immediate listing of the matter, emphasizing the urgency given the approaching examination date. However, the court noted that all related petitions were already pending before the bench headed by Justice P.S. Narasimha, and they would be heard together in July.
Background: Exam Cancelled Amid Paper Leak Allegations
The National Testing Agency (NTA) had cancelled the NEET UG examination originally conducted on May 3, 2026, following widespread allegations of a question paper leak. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently probing the alleged irregularities in the medical entrance examination. Following the cancellation, the NTA announced that a re-test would be conducted on June 21, 2026.
What Students Are Asking For
Advocate Adeel Ahmed, representing the petitioners, informed the court that a substantial number of candidates have expressed serious concerns regarding the re-examination date. The petition highlights that representations received from students across various states and union territories reflect nearly identical anxieties.
The primary concerns raised by students include:
- Heightened mental stress and anxiety caused by the sudden cancellation of the original exam
- Insufficient time to adequately prepare for the re-test
- Apprehensions about the transparency and fairness of the examination process
- Clashes between the re-test date and other scheduled examinations
- Logistical difficulties related to travel and examination centre arrangements
- Adverse effects on mental health and overall well-being
Not Opposing the Re-Test, Only the Date
The petition explicitly clarifies that students are not opposing the decision to conduct a re-examination. Their objection is specifically directed at the June 21 timeline. According to the petitioners, the cancellation of the original exam followed by the abrupt announcement of a re-test has created widespread confusion and psychological pressure among aspirants.
Social Media Rumours Adding to the Distress
The petition also draws attention to the role of social media in amplifying candidate anxiety. Alleged paper leaks, viral question papers circulating online, and various unverified rumours have significantly heightened concerns among students. The situation reportedly became so serious that authorities were compelled to issue repeated clarifications to assuage public apprehension.
Additionally, the petition mentions reports of suicide attempts by some candidates following the examination controversy and cancellation, underscoring the severe impact on students’ mental health.
Demand for Postponement
The petitioners have requested the court to direct the central government, the NTA, and other relevant authorities to postpone the June 21 re-examination and announce a fresh date after ensuring that all affected candidates receive sufficient preparation time.
Prior Concerns Expressed by the Court
During hearings on other NEET UG related petitions on May 29, 2026, the Supreme Court had observed that the real problems associated with the examination would persist until accountability is established. On that occasion, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the central government, assured the court that the administration was taking the concerns of young aspirants seriously. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was personally monitoring the situation to ensure no gaps remained. Mehta also informed the court that several new arrangements and security mechanisms had been implemented for the proposed June 21 re-test.
Re-Test to Proceed as Scheduled for Now
Following the Supreme Court’s refusal to grant an urgent hearing, the re-examination will proceed as per the existing schedule on June 21, 2026. The demands for postponement will now be examined by the bench led by Justice P.S. Narasimha during the July hearings.
