Supreme Court Warns Centre Over NEET-UG Lapses, Seeks Roadmap for Computer-Based Exams as Government Plans Tougher Anti-Paper Leak Law

The Supreme Court has directed the Central Government to end recurring lapses in the NEET-UG examination, sought a roadmap for computer-based testing with robust data protection, and announced close judicial monitoring. Meanwhile, the Centre is preparing stricter amendments to the Public Examinations Act, including fast-track courts and tougher penalties for paper leak cases.

The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Central Government to bring an end to the "series of errors" surrounding the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) examination and sought a detailed roadmap for shifting the examination entirely to a computer-based format. The court also asked the government to explain how it intends to safeguard examination data once the transition to digital testing is completed.

A bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe, while hearing matters related to the NEET paper leak controversy, made it clear that the court would closely monitor the issue and review developments on a regular basis. Emphasising the need for institutional reforms, the bench directed the Centre to present its plans for implementing a secure and transparent computer-based examination system.

Addressing the government, the bench observed, "Please tell us what you are doing to shift completely to an online mode. Please tell us how you will protect data when we shift to computer-based testing. We will see to it that everything is institutionalised."

Appearing for the Central Government, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta informed the court that the government was making extraordinary efforts to resolve issues affecting students. He stated that the Centre was going "10 extra miles" to address concerns related to the examination system and requested additional time to place a comprehensive and holistic plan before the court.

The hearing comes amid continued protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process. While protesters alleged excessive police action during demonstrations, the police maintained that they exercised restraint and acted only to preserve law and order.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike since June 28 demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, was removed from the protest site on July 18 and admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after doctors warned that his health had significantly deteriorated. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, subsequently approached the Delhi High Court, alleging negligence in his treatment at the government-run hospital. After hearing the matter for two days, the High Court permitted his transfer to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he ended his fast on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Central Government is preparing to further strengthen the legal framework against examination paper leaks and cheating. According to sources, amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 are under consideration, and a Cabinet meeting scheduled for Friday is expected to approve the proposed changes.

The proposed amendments are likely to include provisions for establishing fast-track courts dedicated to trying paper leak cases. Sources also indicated that both imprisonment terms and financial penalties for individuals found guilty of involvement in paper leak rackets are expected to be significantly enhanced.

The Supreme Court's intervention, combined with the Centre's proposed legal reforms, marks a significant step toward restoring credibility and transparency in India's public examination system. As judicial oversight intensifies and legislative measures are strengthened, the focus remains on ensuring secure examinations, protecting student interests, and preventing future instances of examination malpractice.