Supreme Court Extends Deadline for Expert Panel on NEET-UG Reforms
The Supreme Court of India has extended by two weeks the deadline for the Centre-appointed expert panel to submit its report on reforms for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG). Originally established to review the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) operations, the panel is led by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan.
This extension follows the Court’s previous order on August 2, which tasked the seven-member panel with assessing the NTA’s functioning and recommending measures to enhance transparency and reduce malpractice associated with the NEET-UG, a critical examination for aspiring medical students.
During a recent hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, that the report was nearing completion but required additional time for finalization. The Court acknowledged the progress made and granted the two-week extension.
The panel’s review was prompted by significant lapses noted during previous NEET-UG examinations, including a security breach at an examination center in Jharkhand, where unauthorized access to question papers was reported. Concerns also arose regarding the improper distribution of exam materials and the use of e-rickshaws for transporting sensitive documents.
The expert committee comprises notable members such as Randeep Guleria, B.J. Rao, Ramamurthy K., Pankaj Bansal, Aditya Mittal, and Govind Jaiswal. Their mandate extends beyond examining the current operational issues of the NTA; they are also tasked with ensuring exam security, enhancing data protection, and improving technology use in examinations.
Additionally, the committee will focus on mental health support for students and training for NTA staff, reflecting a comprehensive approach to improving the overall examination process.
As of 2024, over 23 lakh candidates participated in the NEET-UG, aiming for admissions into various medical and dental courses, making the integrity and efficiency of the examination process paramount.
