NEET-UG Paper Leak: Supreme Court May Visit NTA Office, Seeks Affidavit On Exam Reforms

The Supreme Court has indicated it may visit the National Testing Agency's (NTA) permanent office at Minto Road, New Delhi, to evaluate its operations and track the implementation of reforms following an alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The court, comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe, is hearing petitions from the Federation of All India Medical Association and United Doctors Front, requesting structural reforms at the NTA.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that a High-Powered Task Force led by Nandan Nilekani has conducted extensive consultations with a High-Level Committee of Experts headed by Dr K. Radhakrishnan. Mehta requested a two-week extension to file an affidavit detailing the Task Force's report, but Justice Narasimha suggested a Task Force member submit the affidavit instead.

The judge emphasized the importance of institutionalizing the NTA and implementing the recommendations. When asked if the NTA has a permanent location for its functions, Mehta confirmed that the agency operates from a dedicated office at Minto Road. The court allowed a former Assistant Director General of Health Services and founder of the NEET examination, Dr Mangala Kohli, to intervene in the proceedings.

Advocate Tanvi Dubey, representing the Federation of All India Medical Association, pointed out the Radhakrishnan Committee's recommendation for appointing domain experts to the governing body. Justice Narasimha acknowledged the committee's concern and noted the Task Force is also addressing this issue. Dubey suggested a timeline for transitioning from pen-and-paper to computer-based examinations.

Mehta assured the court that the government is aware of the issue and will take necessary steps. The court directed the NTA to upload the affidavit on its website for stakeholders' benefit. The NTA's affidavit revealed that the agency is transitioning from exam-specific units to a functional vertical structure, building specialized domain capabilities in core operational areas.

The leadership has been strengthened with a Secretary-level Director General and officers from various services, including the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, and Indian Statistical Service. Confidential offices have been moved to a 55,520 sq ft, secured government facility at Minto Road, with X-ray screening facilities.

The court noted the progress in the affidavit and directed the Joint Secretary to the Task Force to file another affidavit indicating developments within two weeks.