New Delhi: In a significant ruling related to the NEET-UG examination controversy, the Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking that the re-examination be conducted in computer-based (CBT) mode. The Court made it clear that operational and practical challenges faced by examination authorities cannot be ignored, and therefore the re-exam scheduled for June 21 will continue in the traditional pen-and-paper format.
The case stems from allegations of a paper leak during the NEET-UG exam conducted on May 3. Following the controversy, the examination was cancelled on May 12, and a fresh date of June 21 was announced for the re-examination.
A petition filed by Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Sudhakar Singh had sought multiple directions from the Supreme Court, including a key request to shift the re-exam to a computer-based format. The petitioner argued that a CBT system would reduce the chances of question paper leaks and improve the integrity of the examination process.
Logistical Constraints and Court Observations
The matter came up for hearing before a bench headed by Justice P. S. Narasimha on Monday. During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel urged the Court to treat the issue as urgent, stressing that systemic reforms were necessary to strengthen examination security. However, the Court declined to accept the argument at this interim stage.
The bench observed that changing the mode of examination at such short notice would create significant logistical and administrative difficulties. It emphasized that examination conducting bodies must be given due consideration for their operational constraints and preparedness.
While refusing interim relief, the Supreme Court did not dismiss the petition entirely. The Court has kept the matter open for detailed hearing and scheduled further proceedings for July. It also indicated that broader systemic issues related to examination security and reforms will be examined in due course.
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Judicial Custody and the Paper Leak Syndicate
Meanwhile, in parallel developments linked to the same paper leak investigation, a special court at Rouse Avenue in Delhi sent three arrested accused to 14 days of judicial custody. The accused include a physics lecturer associated with the National Testing Agency (NTA), a pediatrician from Latur in Maharashtra, and a physics teacher from Pune.
According to investigative agencies, the accused are alleged to have been part of a conspiracy to gain unauthorized access to the NEET-UG question paper before the examination and share it in exchange for money. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has so far arrested 13 individuals in connection with the case.
Officials involved in the probe stated that the case is not limited to isolated individuals but may involve a wider organized network operating to compromise the confidentiality of national-level examinations. Investigators are currently working to trace the full chain of communication and financial transactions linked to the alleged leak.
Mandating Reforms for National Examinations
The Supreme Court also stressed the need for stronger safeguards in future examinations to ensure transparency and prevent recurrence of such incidents. It directed the central government to file a detailed affidavit outlining the measures being taken to prevent paper leaks and improve the integrity of high-stakes examinations.
As the June 21 re-examination approaches, attention remains focused on both the ongoing judicial proceedings and the CBI investigation. The case has raised serious concerns over the credibility and security of India’s medical entrance examination system, with authorities continuing efforts to identify all those involved in the alleged leak network.
Further developments are expected as the investigation progresses and the Supreme Court takes up the matter again in July.
