New Delhi, May 30: The Supreme Court held a crucial hearing on the NEET-UG 2026 exam controversy on Friday. During the session, the central government informed the court that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally overseeing the entire matter.
The Supreme Court expressed serious concerns regarding the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA), stating that until individual accountability is established, such discrepancies will continue to occur.
A bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe was hearing several petitions related to reforms in the NEET-UG exam. These petitions call for a complete transition to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format and significant improvements in the examination system.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the central government, emphasized that the government is taking this issue very seriously, as it directly affects the youth of the nation. He stated, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring this entire matter.”
The Supreme Court expressed concern over the recurring exam controversies, indicating that merely establishing institutional responsibility is insufficient. It should be clear who is accountable for what.
The court remarked, “The real problem will not be resolved until actual accountability is determined. It must be known who is handling which responsibility.”
The court also noted that such incidents are extremely distressing for students and their families. Millions of students invest years of hard work, time, and emotions preparing for these exams.
The court commented, “We cannot disappoint our students. This is not just about the student, but the dreams and struggles of entire families.”
The Supreme Court described the NTA’s operations as ‘ad-hoc’ and stated that the country’s examination bodies should function with a robust and permanent structure. The court cited the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) as an example, suggesting that the NTA should learn from institutions like UPSC, which have successfully conducted large-scale exams without controversy.
The court also advised increasing collaboration with specialized institutions, including IITs, to further strengthen exam security and management.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court directed the Ministry of Human Resource Development to file a detailed affidavit on the steps to enhance the NTA’s organizational capacity and resources. The court made it clear that the goal is to ensure that incidents like those in 2024 and 2026 do not recur. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for July.
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