The Supreme Court has said it will examine the recommendations of the Nandan Nilekani-led high-powered task force before deciding on pleas seeking to conduct the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
Hearing a petition filed by RJD MP Sudhakar Singh following the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 over an alleged paper leak and the subsequent re-examination, a Bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe observed that any transition from pen-and-paper to online examinations must be backed by robust cybersecurity and database protection measures.
The court stressed the need for “out-of-the-box” suggestions to safeguard the integrity of one of India’s largest entrance examinations and scheduled the matter for further hearing on August 3, after considering the expert panel’s recommendations.
Court Seeks Stronger Digital Safeguards
During the hearing, the Bench remarked that merely shifting NEET to an online format would not be enough unless technological vulnerabilities were addressed. “We need some additional safeguards with respect to cyber security, database protection,” the judges observed, highlighting concerns over protecting candidates’ data and ensuring a secure examination process.
Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the Union government had taken the issue “very seriously” and constituted a high-level task force announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, the panel includes former ISRO chairman S. Somanath, former Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, former Education Secretary Anita Karwal and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena. According to the Centre, the committee has been tasked with recommending technology-driven reforms to strengthen India’s public examination system.
NEET Reform Debate Gains Momentum
The latest proceedings come against the backdrop of the NEET-UG 2026 controversy, after the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the May 3 examination following allegations of a paper leak.
The examination was subsequently reconducted on June 21, while investigations into the alleged malpractice continue. Sudhakar Singh’s petition argues that conducting NEET in CBT mode could reduce the risk of paper leaks and improve transparency.
However, the Supreme Court has indicated that such a shift cannot be implemented without carefully evaluating its technical feasibility and security implications. The court’s decision to await the Nilekani panel’s recommendations reflects a broader push towards long-term structural reforms rather than immediate procedural changes.
Meanwhile, the Centre has also announced plans to strengthen anti-malpractice laws and modernise examination systems to restore public confidence.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The integrity of public examinations is the cornerstone of a fair and merit-based education system. For millions of students across India, exams like NEET represent years of hard work, aspirations and the hope of securing a better future. Any breach of trust, whether through paper leaks, malpractice or technological vulnerabilities, can have far-reaching consequences for students and their families.
While transitioning to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) may help minimise risks associated with physical question papers, technology alone cannot guarantee fairness. A successful shift will require robust cybersecurity, transparent processes, reliable digital infrastructure, and equal access for candidates from rural and underserved regions. Equally important is ensuring that students are adequately prepared for the new format so that digital familiarity does not become an unintended barrier.
Meaningful reform must therefore go beyond changing the mode of examination. It should focus on building a secure, transparent and inclusive ecosystem where accountability is strengthened, technology is used responsibly, and every student has an equal opportunity to succeed regardless of their background.
Restoring public confidence in India’s examination system will require sustained collaboration between policymakers, educators, technology experts, institutions and students. Do you believe shifting NEET to a Computer-Based Test will be enough to restore trust in the examination system, or should broader reforms take priority alongside the transition?
Also Read: NEET 2026 Paper Leak: First Fast-Track Court Hearing Adjourned After CBI Counsel Skips Proceedings
