The Centre Today (Jan 2) told the Supreme Court that it would be implementing all the corrective measures suggested by its seven-member expert panel on exam reforms after reviewing the National Testing Agency’s functioning in holding NEET-UG last year. The top court on August 2, last year refused to annul the controversy-ridden NEET-UG of 2024, saying there was no sufficient material on record at present to indicate a systemic leak or malpractice compromising the integrity of the examination.
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NEW DELHI: The Central Government informed the Supreme Court that it would act on all suggestions made by a seven-member expert panel to improve the NEET-UG exam process.
This step follows a review of the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) functioning during last year’s NEET-UG exam.
Supreme Court Decision on NEET-UG 2024
On August 2, 2024, the Supreme Court decided not to cancel the NEET-UG examination despite controversies. The court noted that there wasn’t enough evidence to prove a widespread leak or malpractice that could compromise the integrity of the exam.
The court also extended the scope of the seven-member expert panel led by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan.
The panel was tasked with reviewing the NTA’s operations and recommending reforms to make NEET-UG exams more transparent and malpractice-free.
Government Commitment to Reforms
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, informed the Supreme Court on Thursday that the expert committee has submitted its report. He stated:
“We are going to implement all the recommendations, and it (matter) can be listed after six months.”
In response, the bench, comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Manoj Misra, adjourned the matter for three months and said:
“The matter is adjourned for three months. List this special leave petition in the month of April.”
The government did not share the full report, as it contained sensitive details like question paper printing processes.
Lapses in NEET-UG 2024
In a previous hearing on October 21, the Supreme Court had granted more time for the expert panel to submit its report. The court also highlighted several issues with the NTA’s handling of NEET-UG, including:
- Security breach at an exam center in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, where the rear door of the strongroom was opened, allowing unauthorized access to question papers.
- Transportation of question papers using e-rickshaws.
- Distribution of incorrect question paper sets to students.
Composition and Role of the Expert Panel
The seven-member committee, chaired by K. Radhakrishnan, also includes:
- Dr. Randeep Guleria
- B. J. Rao
- Ramamurthy K.
- Pankaj Bansal
- Aditya Mittal
- Govind Jaiswal
The court expanded the panel’s responsibilities to include:
- Examination security and administration.
- Data security and technology upgrades.
- Policy and stakeholder engagement.
- Collaboration and international cooperation.
- Recommendations for mental health support for students.
- Training programs for NTA staff.
In 2024, over 23 lakh students appeared for NEET-UG to gain admission into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and related courses.
In November 2024, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking a fresh NEET-UG 2024 examination. This reaffirmed its earlier decision to uphold the integrity of the exam despite some reported lapses.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on NEET-UG
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