NEET Reform: SC Seeks Centre’s Roadmap On Radhakrishnan, Nilekani Panel Recommendations

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Centre to submit a detailed account of the steps taken to implement recommendations of the Radhakrishnan Committee and the Nandan Nilekani-led task force for reforming the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the NEET-UG examination.

A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe stressed that reforms in the NTA must be institutionalised and backed by stronger technology, infrastructure and manpower. The court said merely having safeguards on paper was not enough and the agency needed to develop lasting institutional expertise.

The bench directed the Centre to file an affidavit within three weeks, detailing the measures already taken and providing indicative timelines for implementing the remaining recommendations.

The seven-member Radhakrishnan Committee was constituted by the Education Ministry following the 2024 NEET-UG paper leak controversy. It examined reforms in the examination process, data security and the structure and functioning of the NTA. The government subsequently set up a high-powered task force headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to suggest structural and technological improvements in competitive examinations.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the court that extensive safeguards were already being followed during NEET. These include multiple question-setters, CCTV surveillance at printing facilities, CISF security, police-escorted transportation, GPS tracking and storage of question papers in bank strong rooms. The papers are opened at examination centres under official supervision, with the process videographed.

The bench, however, noted that these safeguards had already been considered by the Radhakrishnan panel and emphasised the need for deeper institutional reform.

The court cited the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) as an example of an examination body that has built institutional memory and expertise over years of conducting examinations and upgrading its systems.

The matter was being heard along with several petitions, including one filed by advocate Tanvi Dubey on behalf of the Federation of All India Medical Association, seeking restructuring or replacement of the NTA.

The CBI is investigating allegations linked to the 2024 NEET-UG paper leak. The Supreme Court had earlier refused to cancel the examination but ordered measures to strengthen the integrity of public examinations.