Supreme Court Demands 'Institutionalisation' of Exam System to End Paper Leaks

The Supreme Court of India has firmly told the Centre that it will 'closely monitor' all reforms aimed at overhauling the National Testing Agency (NTA) and curbing recurring paper leaks in critical exams like NEET-UG. Emphasizing an end to 'ad hocism', a bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe stressed the urgent need for institutionalising the examination process to prevent future irregularities, directing the government to provide a detailed roadmap for systemic changes. This strong judicial oversight comes after the NEET-UG 2026 examination was cancelled in May due to alleged paper leaks, leading to widespread student protests and public outcry. The Centre, asserting it's going '10 extra miles' for students, is working on amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to introduce tougher penalties and fast-track courts for paper leak cases, while the NTA has already terminated 47 officials as part of a major internal revamp. As the Supreme Court listed the matter for further hearing on August 3, the government is expected to present a comprehensive affidavit detailing its plans, including a potential shift to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) and robust cybersecurity safeguards. This ongoing judicial scrutiny, coupled with legislative action and NTA internal shake-up, signals a pivotal moment for India's examination system, aiming to restore student trust and ensure fairness.