SC seeks Centre’s affidavit on NTA reforms, calls for permanent exam security framework

The Supreme Court on Wednesday stressed the need for a permanent institutional overhaul of the National Testing Agency (NTA), saying measures to prevent question paper leaks and other examination failures cannot remain ad hoc or limited to a particular test. Hearing matters arising from the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, a bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe asked the Centre to file an affidavit detailing the steps taken to implement recommendations made for strengthening the country's examination system. The court emphasised that the NTA needs dedicated infrastructure, trained manpower, technological capabilities and institutional expertise to securely conduct large-scale entrance examinations.

Court seeks reforms update

The bench sought details on the implementation of recommendations made by the high-powered Radhakrishnan Committee as well as the task force led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani. The Radhakrishnan Committee was constituted by the Union Education Ministry following concerns over examination integrity and was tasked with recommending reforms in the examination process, improvements in data-security protocols and changes to the structure and functioning of the NTA.

The Supreme Court made it clear that reforms should not merely respond to one episode or examination but should become part of the NTA's permanent operating structure. The Centre has been asked to place the details before the court through an affidavit within three weeks.

NTA needs dedicated infrastructure

During the hearing, the bench focused on whether the NTA has the institutional capacity required to manage examinations involving millions of candidates. The court stressed the importance of secure infrastructure and dedicated examination centres rather than continued dependence on temporary arrangements.

It also highlighted the need for stronger cyber-security, permanent institutional expertise and a dedicated mechanism for examination-related operations. The bench drew attention to the model of institutions such as the Union Public Service Commission while discussing the need for a scientifically equipped and professionally staffed examination body.

Centre details new safeguards

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, informed the court about measures introduced to strengthen the security of the NEET examination process. The government maintained that the present security mechanism had been considerably strengthened and described the system as difficult to breach.

Among the safeguards highlighted before the court were tighter controls over question-paper preparation and transportation, including GPS-based tracking and surveillance measures. The Centre also informed the bench about changes being made to the examination system following the controversies surrounding national-level tests.

600 experts removed from system

As part of the overhaul, around 600 experts have been removed from NTA's examination-related processes and a four-tier mechanism for checking question papers has been introduced. Security arrangements at NTA offices are also being strengthened, with plans for deployment of Central Industrial Security Force personnel.

The measures are intended to tighten controls at different stages of the examination process, from preparation of question papers to their handling and delivery. Despite these steps, the Supreme Court indicated that procedural safeguards alone would not be sufficient unless they were backed by a durable institutional framework.

Focus on preventing future leaks

The proceedings stem from concerns over repeated controversies involving NEET-UG and the credibility of examinations conducted by the NTA. The court has repeatedly examined whether reforms undertaken after paper leaks and other irregularities are sufficient to prevent similar incidents in future. Wednesday's observations broadened the focus from immediate security measures to the structure of the NTA itself. The bench indicated that technology, trained personnel, secure facilities and institutional memory should become permanent features of the agency rather than measures introduced only after an examination controversy.

The court's intervention places the focus on long-term reform as the Centre works to restore confidence in the national examination system. The matter will now proceed after the government places its affidavit on record detailing how far the recommendations of the expert committees have been implemented and what further measures are planned to strengthen the NTA.