Supreme Court gives expert panel 2 more weeks to file report on NEET-UG reforms

The Supreme Court on Monday extended by two weeks the time granted to the Centre-appointed seven-member expert panel to file its report on exam reforms.

In Short

• NEET-UG is under scrutiny for transparency and malpractice concerns
• Expert Panel tasked with recommending reforms for transparent examination processes
• Solicitor General requested two-week extension for report submission

The Supreme Court on Monday extended the deadline by two weeks for a Centre-appointed expert panel to submit its report on NEET-UG exam reforms after reviewing the National Testing Agency's (NTA) handling of the exam.

In an August 2 ruling, the Supreme Court expanded the scope of the seven-member panel, led by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan.

The group was tasked with examining the NTA's performance in administering NEET-UG and recommending reforms to ensure transparency and prevent malpractices.

NEET-UG, conducted by the NTA, is a key examination for admission into undergraduate medical programs across India.

The court previously refused to cancel the 2024 NEET-UG, stating that there was not enough evidence to prove a systemic leak or malpractice affecting the exam's integrity.

On Monday, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, requested the extension before a bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud. The bench, which also included Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, agreed to extend the deadline, noting the report was nearly finished.

The court highlighted several issues within the NTA’s administration of NEET-UG, including a security breach at a center in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, where unauthorised people accessed exam papers. Other concerns included transporting exam papers by e-rickshaws and distributing incorrect test papers to candidates.

The expert committee includes notable members such as Randeep Guleria, BJ Rao, and Aditya Mittal. In addition to the tasks assigned by the government and NTA, the panel will focus on improving exam security, data protection, and technology.

The panel’s remit also covers policy engagement, international cooperation, and mental health support for students, as well as training for NTA staff.

Over 23 lakh students took the NEET-UG in 2024 for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and related courses.

(With inputs from PTI)