Supreme Court Rejects Plea to Conduct NEET-UG 2026 Re-Exam in Computer-Based Mode
The Supreme Court of India on Monday, June 1, 2026, declined a petition seeking to conduct the re-examination of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET)-UG 2026 in a computer-based test (CBT) format, opting instead to maintain the pen-and-paper mode for the scheduled June 21 exam. The decision comes amid ongoing concerns over the integrity of the examination process following the cancellation of the original test on May 12 due to allegations of a paper leak.
Background of the NEET-UG 2026 Controversy
The NEET-UG 2026 exam, initially held on May 3, was annulled nationwide after reports of a large-scale paper leak surfaced. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched an inquiry, leading to the rescheduling of the exam for June 21. The re-test has been a focal point of legal and administrative scrutiny, with stakeholders raising concerns about the security and reliability of the examination system.
A petition filed by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) lawmaker Sudhakar Singh sought to mandate the shift to a CBT format for the re-exam, arguing that it would reduce the risk of another leak. However, a bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Aravind Kumar expressed reluctance to alter the mode of examination at this stage, citing practical challenges and the need to finalize preparations for the rescheduled test.
Court’s Reasoning and Legal Precedents
The court emphasized that similar requests to transition NEET to a digital format had been previously dismissed, noting the complexities involved in implementing such a change under time constraints. Justice Narasimha highlighted the administrative burden on examination authorities, stating that the system was already in the process of reorganizing for the June 21 test.
The bench also referenced a May 29 ruling where it called for structural reforms within the National Testing Agency (NTA), stressing the need for accountability and transparency to prevent recurring controversies. While the court acknowledged the “traumatic” impact on students and families, it deferred the matter to July, aligning it with other pending petitions related to NTA reforms.
Petition’s Broader Demands
Beyond the CBT format, the petition outlined a comprehensive roadmap for transitioning NEET to a fully digital system. This included infrastructure development, cybersecurity protocols, and accessibility measures for candidates. The petitioner also advocated for the establishment of an independent statutory National Examination Authority, replacing the NTA