Supreme Court Asks Expert Committee To Suggest Reforms For Better Administration Of NEET-UG Exam

While refusing to cancel the NEET-UG exam held on May 5 this year on account of paper leak and malpractices, the Supreme Court today expanded the mandate for a 7-member expert committee constituted by the Union government to look into NEET paper leak and other malpractices.

A bench of CJI DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala, Manoj Misra delivered the judgment and prescribed the mandate under 5 broad heads viz. (i) Examination Security and Administration, (ii) Data Security and Technological Enhancements, (iii) Policy and Stakeholder Engagement, (iv) Collaboration and International Cooperation, and (v) Support and Training.

Key highlights from the same are summarized below:

(i) Examination Security and Administration

The expert committee shall recommend reforms in the administration of the NEET exam, ensuring that there are checks and balances at every stage. It may further review the process of allotment of centres to candidates and suggest any changes, if necessary, in the interest of fairness and transparency.

The committee may also recommend a robust grievance redressal mechanism and stricter procedure for verification of candidates' identities, so that impersonation is eliminated and only authorized candidates appear in the exam.

It shall further consider the viability of comprehensive CCTV surveillance systems at all exam centers, including real-time monitoring and recording of all activities. "The aim is to deter and detect any malpractice or unauthorized activities and to provide evidence in case of incidents", the Court said.

In addition, the committee may suggest enhancement of the processes of setting, printing, transportation, storage, and handling of question papers to prevent unauthorized access and leaks during critical phases. It may also consider the viability of surprise inspection of exam centres.

(ii) Data Security and Technological Enhancements

The committee shall suggest advanced data security protocols, including encryption and secure data transmission methods. "These measures should protect examination materials from unauthorized access and potential leaks, ensuring that all sensitive information remains secure", the court said.

To this end, systems to monitor and track digital footprints related to the examination materials may also be recommended by the committee. Further, it shall explore technological innovations to enhance examination security and efficiency.

(iii) Policy and Stakeholder Engagement

The Committee shall establish a transparent communication strategy to keep all stakeholders, including candidates, educational institutions, and the public, informed about the measures being taken to ensure the integrity and fairness of the examination process as well as of the response of NTA to any malpractice which is identified.

Further, it may recommend measures to mitigate any socioeconomic disparities that may affect candidates' ability to participate in or benefit from the exam process. "This might include providing support and resources to underprivileged candidates to ensure equal opportunities and reduce barriers to entry", the court said.

(iv) Collaboration and International Cooperation

The Committee shall consider the viability of NTA engaging in international cooperation with foreign examination bodies and educational authorities to share best practices, security measures, and innovative solutions.

It may also suggest creation of a management framework to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks related to examination security. "This framework should include protocols for assessing risks, contingency plans, and strategies for dealing with unforeseen challenges that may arise during the examination process", the court said.

(v) Support and Training

The Committee shall recommend plans regarding mental health support programmes for students and consider viability of NTA conducting training programmes for all staff involved in the exam process. This is to ensure that everybody involved in the exam process is well-equipped to maintain its integrity.

The 7-member expert committee constituted by the Union government will be chaired by Dr K Radhakrishnan, former Chairman, ISRO. It will also comprise: (i) Dr Randeep Guleria (Member) (ii) Prof B J Rao (Member) (iii) Prof Ramamurthy K (Member) (iv) Shri Pankaj Bansal (Member) (v) Prof Aditya Mittal (Member) and (vi) Shri Govind Jaiswal (Member Secretary).

Notably, while widening the mandate of the expert committee, the bench observed, "A dedicated committee with suitably qualified experts can ensure a comprehensive review of the security measures, candidate verification processes, and the overall management of the examination. By identifying and rectifying vulnerabilities, such a committee will help restore trust in the examination system and implement robust safeguards to prevent future malpractice."

Other reports on the judgment can be read here.

Case Details: Vanshika Yadav v. Union of India and Ors., W.P.(C) No. 335/2024 (and connected matters)

Citation : 2024 LiveLaw (SC) 539

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