The Supreme Court on Monday formally closed a case concerning the administration of the NEET-UG 2024 by the National Testing Agency (NTA), after the Central Government committed to implementing recommended reforms. The closure comes after a thorough examination of the functioning and challenges faced by the NTA in organizing the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG), a critical examination for medical school admissions in India.
A bench consisting of Justices P S Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi reviewed the compliance reports submitted by the government, along with arguments presented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. The government has agreed to adopt the reforms suggested by a seven-member expert panel, with the exception of conducting the NEET exam online, citing the need for time to ensure adequate internet access and computer availability across the country.
“Over 26 lakh students take up NEET across India and the government will have to ascertain availability of internet and computers… this will take some time,” Mehta explained, affirming that aside from the online exam transition, all other recommendations of the panel have been accepted.
The expert panel, chaired by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan, was expanded last year to review NTA’s operations comprehensively and suggest necessary reforms to enhance the transparency and integrity of NEET-UG. This action followed reports of multiple lapses during the examination process, including security breaches at exam centers and issues with the distribution of question papers.
The Supreme Court’s decision to close the case was based on the panel’s findings and the government’s assurances of taking corrective actions. “Nothing survived in the case and it can be disposed of,” Mehta noted, indicating that the suggested reforms would address the identified issues effectively.
The panel’s recommendations also covered broader aspects of exam administration, including security, data protection, technological upgrades, policy engagement, international cooperation, mental health support for students, and training for NTA staff.
