NEET UG 2026: Supreme Court Petition Demands Computer-Based Re-Exam and New Examination Authority
The controversy surrounding the NEET UG 2026 examination has escalated to the highest judicial forum in the country. Following allegations of a question paper leak, a group of petitioners, including Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Member of Parliament Sudhakar Singh, has approached the Supreme Court with a demand for sweeping reforms in the conduct of the national medical entrance test.
The petition, filed jointly by Singh, social activist Anubhav Garg, Indian Medical Association national spokesperson Dr. Dhruv Chauhan, and Harisharan Devgan, urges the court to direct the central government and the National Testing Agency (NTA) to shift the upcoming re-examination from the traditional pen-and-paper format to a fully secure Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
Demand for Secure CBT Mode in Re-Exam
The petitioners have specifically requested the Supreme Court to mandate that the NEET UG re-examination, currently scheduled for June 21, 2026, be conducted in a secure digital format rather than the conventional offline method. They argue that a computer-based testing system offers robust safeguards against paper leaks and other forms of malpractice that have plagued the examination process.
According to the petitioners, the adoption of a digital examination platform would significantly reduce the risk of question paper compromise, ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants. They contend that the shift to CBT is not merely a technological upgrade but a necessary step toward restoring the integrity of one of the country’s most competitive medical entrance examinations.
Proposal for a New National Examination Authority
Beyond the immediate concern of the re-exam format, the petition calls for a fundamental restructuring of the examination oversight mechanism. The petitioners have asked the Supreme Court to direct the central government to replace the existing National Testing Agency with a new, independent, and transparent body to be called the “National Examination Authority.”
The proposed institution would incorporate judicial oversight, legal accountability, and advanced technology-driven security protocols into its operational framework. The petitioners believe that a fresh, autonomous authority is essential to rebuild public confidence in the examination system and to prevent future instances of malpractice.
Call for a High-Level Monitoring Committee
In a further request, the petitioners have urged the court to constitute a high-level monitoring committee to oversee reforms in national-level examinations. The suggested composition of this committee includes retired Supreme Court judges, educationists, psychologists, cybersecurity experts, forensic scientists, and administrative specialists.
This committee would be tasked with recommending structural improvements to make national examinations more secure and transparent. The petitioners envision this body as a permanent oversight mechanism that could audit examination processes and suggest continuous improvements based on emerging challenges and technological advancements.
Emphasis on Cybersecurity and AI Surveillance
The petition places significant emphasis on the adoption of cutting-edge security measures for national examinations. The petitioners have called for the implementation of encrypted digital paper transmission systems, biometric verification of candidates, AI-based surveillance during examinations, and stringent cybersecurity protocols.
They have also stressed the importance of introducing a “digital locking” mechanism for question papers and fully embracing the CBT model. According to the petitioners, these measures would comprehensively eliminate the possibility of paper leaks and ensure that examination content remains secure from the point of creation to the moment of delivery.
Request for CBI Investigation Status Report
Seeking transparency in the ongoing investigation, the petitioners have requested the Supreme Court to direct the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a status report on the NEET UG 2026 paper leak probe within four weeks. The report should provide complete details regarding the networks uncovered during the investigation, arrests made, accused individuals identified, and the overall progress of prosecution proceedings.
Additionally, the petition calls for a directive requiring the NTA to publish center-wise results for NEET UG 2026. This measure, the petitioners argue, would enable transparent scrutiny of examination data and facilitate the identification of any irregularities or anomalies across different test centers.
Kejriwal Reaches Out to Stressed Students
Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has reached out to NEET aspirants with a message of reassurance and support. In a video message shared on social media, Kejriwal acknowledged the immense pressure and anxiety that students are experiencing following the cancellation of the examination.
Expressing concern over reports of student distress, Kejriwal noted that many candidates are grappling with depression and stress in the aftermath of the exam cancellation. He particularly highlighted the tragic reports of four students having died by suicide, urging all aspirants not to succumb to such extreme pressure.
Kejriwal has invited students to share their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions with him directly through comments or direct messages on social media platforms. His appeal emphasizes solidarity with the affected students and a commitment to amplifying their voices in the ongoing discourse surrounding the examination controversy.
The coming weeks will be crucial as the Supreme Court deliberates on the petition and the proposed re-examination date of June 21 draws closer. Students, parents, and educational institutions across the country await judicial intervention that could reshape the future conduct of medical entrance examinations in India.
