“Extensive security reforms have been implemented after a series of NEET-UG 2026 paper leaks”: NTA tells SC | Today’s news
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has told the Supreme Court that it has implemented sweeping structural and security reforms in the wake of the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy and cancellation of scrutiny, ANI reported.
The issue arises out of petitions filed by the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) and the United Doctors Front (UDF) demanding a comprehensive restructuring of the examining body due to alleged irregularities in the conduct of the NEET-UG 2026.
What did the NTA state in its affidavit?
In its affidavit, the NTA said that the High Power Steering Committee (HPSC) in its meeting held on April 17, 2026 reviewed the preparations for NEET-UG 2026 and recommended extensive safeguards before, during and after the examination. These included mandatory CCTV checks and retention of records for at least 90 days, mock drills at screening centres, weather-based emergency planning, verification of back-up power systems, emergency medical facilities and detailed inspections of centers in the week leading up to the examination.
The committee also recommended post-investigation forensic analysis of CCTV footage to detect anomalies and erratic behavior that may not be identifiable in real time.
The affidavit further states that the HPSC will meet again after the conduct of NEET-UG 2026 to discuss, in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, whether future NEET examinations should be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode or continue with Pen and Paper Test (PPT) mode.
The NTA also informed the Court that several recommendations of the High Level Committee of Experts (HLCE) have already been implemented or are in advanced stages of implementation.
As part of the restructuring process, 16 new leadership positions were created within NTA, including director and joint director level positions. Two joint secretary-level officers have been appointed as additional CEOs to oversee technology operations and test security. A secretary-level officer was also appointed as the Director General of NTA in March 2026.
The agency further said that domain experts from institutions like IITs, UGC, CBSE, KVS and IGNOU have been roped in to strengthen examination management and security mechanisms. On the issue of institutional coordination, the NTA said that State Level Coordinating Committees (SLCC) and District Level Coordinating Committees (DLCC) have been established at the national level to ensure safe and smooth conduct of examinations.
According to the affidavit, 18 SLCCs and 621 DLCCs were operational at the time of NEET-UG 2026 on 03 May 2026. These committees consist of officials from the administration, police, intelligence services, the National Information Center (NIC) and the NTA to enhance oversight and improve coordination during examinations.
