Supreme Court Seeks Petitioners’ Response To Centre’s Affidavit On NTA Reform Plea

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked petitioners seeking reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the NEET-UG examination system to file their responses to the Centre's affidavit, which stated that shifting the medical entrance test from the current pen-and-paper format to a computer-based mode is under active consideration. The matter will be heard next on August 19, when the court will examine the submissions and suggestions from all parties involved. A bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe directed the petitioners, including the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), to submit their replies to the counter-affidavit filed by the Union government.

The court said it would consider all aspects of the proposed reforms before taking any further view on the issue. During the hearing, advocate Tanvi Dubey, appearing for FAIMA, told the bench that if the government decides to introduce a computer-based examination model for NEET-UG, the transition should be implemented at the earliest. She highlighted that students preparing for the examination are currently following a preparation strategy based on the existing pen-and-paper format, and any major change would require sufficient time and clarity. The Supreme Court observed that all concerns would be taken into consideration and asked the parties to submit their views and recommendations.

The hearing is part of a broader legal challenge seeking improvements in the functioning of the NTA and reforms in the conduct of major entrance examinations, particularly after concerns were raised over examination procedures and transparency. In its affidavit submitted before the court, the Centre said that the possibility of moving NEET-UG from the traditional pen-and-paper mode to a computer-based format is being examined. The government said the transition could follow a model similar to the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), which includes computer-based testing for both JEE Main and JEE Advanced. The Union government stated that the final decision would be taken after considering recommendations from a high-powered task force headed by technology expert Nandan Nilekani.

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The task force includes experts from areas such as technology, space, intelligence, academia, and public administration. According to the Centre, the panel is examining multiple aspects of the proposed transition, including technological readiness, security measures, accessibility, infrastructure requirements, and academic considerations. The affidavit noted that any change in the examination system must ensure fairness and equal opportunities for students across different regions. Concerns regarding digital infrastructure, availability of computer facilities, and the ability of candidates from diverse backgrounds to adapt to a new testing environment are expected to be key factors in the government's final decision.

The case also involves petitions filed by several individuals and organisations seeking improvements in the functioning of the NTA. RJD MP Sudhakar Singh has also sought reforms in the examination authority, with senior advocate Pijush Kanti Roy and advocate Satyam Singh Rajput representing him before the court. NEET-UG is one of India's largest entrance examinations, conducted annually for admission to undergraduate medical courses across the country. Any change in its format could impact millions of aspirants, making the transition process a significant policy decision. The Supreme Court's upcoming hearing on August 19 is expected to further examine the proposed reforms and the concerns raised by students, medical organisations, and other stakeholders.

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