‘How is the database secured’? SC says they will see what the task force headed by Nandan Nilekani suggests for the NEET online exam | Today’s news
The Supreme Court on Monday briefly adjourned the hearing of a petition seeking to conduct the National Eligibility Test (NEET) 2026 through Computer Based Test (CBT) mode instead of the existing pen and paper format.
While hearing a plea filed by RJD MP Sudhakar Singh, the Supreme Court said it will see what the government proposes on the basis of a high-powered task force headed by Nandan Nilekani regarding the online conduct of the NEET exam.
According to news agency PTI, Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe said that some pre-made proposals are needed, especially when a shift is made from the physical mode to online conduct of the NEET exam.
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The proposed reforms include switching to computer-based testing (CBT) mode, digital locking of question papers and improved cyber security measures to protect data and prevent leaks.
The task force was set up to recommend comprehensive reforms aimed at increasing the security, transparency and credibility of national exams, particularly in light of recent paper leak allegations.
The move to online exams is expected to improve security by incorporating technologies such as biometric authentication, digital delivery and AI for monitoring, thereby minimizing vulnerabilities and risks associated with paper leaks.
The proposed punishments include imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to ₹10 million for individuals or institutions involved in compromising public examinations in an effort to deter malpractice.
International systems often employ layered safeguards such as randomized question sets, strict identity verification and monitored exam environments, which contrasts with India’s need to improve technology integration and enforcement mechanisms.
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“We need some additional guarantees with regard to cyber security, database protection,” the court said.
The Supreme Court heard a plea The Supreme Court heard a plea filed by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Sudhakar Singh seeking to conduct NEET in computerized mode.
The petition was filed after the Union government and the National Testing Agency (NTA) canceled the NEET-UG 2026 held on May 3 over allegations of widespread paper leakage.
Sudhakar Singh filed the petition after the cancellation of NEET-UG held on May 3 due to alleged paper leak and notification of re-NEET.
What was the lawsuit seeking?
Sudhakar Singh’s petition sought sweeping reforms in the conduct of NEET-UG, including a direction to explore the CBT mode instead of the existing pen and paper format.
The petition called for structural reforms in the examination system. Some of the demands of the petition, according to the Live Law, were:
1. Direct the Union Government to replace the NTA with an independent statutory National Examining Authority equipped with technological safeguards, institutional accountability and oversight mechanisms.
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2. Establishment of a high-level monitoring committee composed of retired Supreme Court judges, educators, psychologists, cyber security experts, forensic scientists and administrative experts to recommend reforms for conducting secure examinations at the national level.
3. Mandatory “digital locking” of questions
4. Time-bound plan for transition of NEET-UG to a fully computerized examination system, including details of infrastructure development, examination centres, cyber security safeguards and measures to ensure availability to candidates.
5. Strict prosecution of individuals, institutions, training centers, intermediaries and officials allegedly involved in examination paper leaks and organized cheating.
6. Central Bureau of Investigation report on the investigation into the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, including details of arrests, charges and prosecution proceedings.
7. Measures related to transparency including directing NTA to publish NEET-UG results centrally to facilitate detection of anomalies.
Government vs Petitioner
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, informed the court that the Union government has taken a very serious view and a high-level committee has been constituted.
He said that the announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself and the high-level committee is headed by Nandan Nilekani, who is an expert in the field of technology.
Mehta said that apart from Nilekani, former ISRO chairman S Somanath, former intelligence agency director Tapan Deka, IIT Chennai director V Kamakoti, former education minister Anita Karwal and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena are other members of the task force.
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“When there is a transition from physical behavior to online, what other safeguards need to be taken, how is the database secured, etc.,” the court asked.
“That’s why we have Mr Nilekani, he is an expert on the subject,” SG said, according to Bar and Bench.
“Data retention is also an issue. We filed another petition on Monday (August 3). We will discuss it together,” the court said while adjourning the case.
A bench comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe on Monday reiterated that the larger issue required consideration, said it would take up the matter with two other writ petitions seeking structural reforms under NEET.
The court said it is listing the plea filed by RJD MP Sudhakar Singh next Monday, August 3.
Under the Live Law, the two main petitions were filed by the United Doctors Front and the Federation of All India Medical Association. While hearing the matter last week, the bench said it would monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the High Level Committee headed by former ISRO chairman Dr. To Radhakrishnan, who also suggested switching to CBT.
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On June 1, the Supreme Court refused to take up for urgent hearing a plea filed by Singh for conducting the NEET-UG 2026 re-test on June 21 in the computer-based test mode.
On May 12, the National Testing Agency (NTA) canceled the NEET-UG held on May 3 for medical admission due to allegations of paper leakage.
The CBI is currently investigating the matter and a re-test was held on June 21.
