The Supreme Court will review suggestions submitted by a government-appointed high-powered task force led by technology expert Nandan Nilekani regarding the transition of the NEET medical entrance examination to an online mode.
Hearing a petition on Monday, a bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe emphasized that innovative solutions are necessary when moving from paper-based to digital testing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The bench stated that supplementary safeguards are required to ensure robust cybersecurity and database protection during the shift.
Government Panel and Court Timeline
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the central government, informed the court that the Union government has treated the matter with seriousness following an announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the creation of the high-level committee.
Mehta detailed the composition of the technology panel, which is chaired by Nilekani. Other members include former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S. Somanath, former Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Chennai director V. Kamakoti, former education secretary Anita Karwal, and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena.
The apex court scheduled the next hearing on the petition for the coming Monday.
Context of the Legal Challenge
The legal proceedings stem from a plea filed by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Member of Parliament Sudhakar Singh following the cancellation of the NEET-UG examination held on May 3.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the May 3 test on May 12 after allegations surfaced regarding paper leaks. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently probing the alleged leaks.
Earlier, on June 1, the Supreme Court had declined to grant an urgent hearing on Singh’s plea, which requested that the re-examination be conducted as a computer-based test on June 21. The retest was subsequently conducted on June 21.
