‘How is database secured'? SC says will see what Nandan Nilekani-led task force suggests on online NEET exam

Published 27 July 2026 · education

The Supreme Court on Monday briefly postponed the hearing of a petition seeking the conduct of the Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) 2026 through a Computer-Based Test

The Supreme Court on Monday briefly postponed the hearing of a petition seeking the conduct of the Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) 2026 through a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, instead of the existing pen-and-paper format. While hearing the plea filed by RJD MP Sudhakar Singh, the Supreme Court said it will see what the Nandan Nilekani-led high-powered task force formed by the government suggests on the online conduct of the NEET examination. According to news agency PTI, a bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe said some out-of-the-box suggestions are needed, especially when the transition is made from the physical mode to the online conduct of the NEET examination. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What technological reforms are being proposed for the NEET examination system? ⌵ The proposed reforms include transitioning to a computer-based testing (CBT) mode, digital locking of question papers, and enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect data and prevent leaks. 2 Why was the Nandan Nilekani-led task force formed for NEET examination reforms? ⌵ The task force was established to recommend comprehensive reforms aimed at making national examinations more secure, transparent, and credible, especially in light of recent allegations of paper leaks. 3 How will the transition from pen-and-paper to online NEET exams enhance security? ⌵ The transition to online exams is expected to improve security by incorporating technology like biometric verification, digital delivery, and AI for monitoring, thus minimizing vulnerabilities and risks associated with paper leaks. 4 What are the potential penalties for those involved in examination fraud under the proposed amendments?

⌵ Proposed penalties include imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines up to ₹10 crore for individuals or institutions involved in compromising public examinations, as part of efforts to deter malpractice. 5 How do international testing systems prevent examination leaks compared to India's current approach? ⌵ International systems often utilize layered safeguards like randomized question sets, strict identity verification, and monitored exam environments, contrasting with India's need for improved technological integration and enforcement mechanisms. "We need some additional safeguards with respect to cyber security, database protection," the court reportedly said. The Supreme Court was hearing a plea by Supreme Court hears plea by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Sudhakar Singh seeking NEET to be conducted in computer-based mode. The petition was filed after the Union government and the Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled NEET-UG 2026 held on May 3 amid allegations of a widespread paper leak. Sudhakar Singh filed the petition following the cancellation of the NEET-UG held on May 3 over alleged paper leak and the announcement of re-NEET. What did the plea seek? Sudhakar Singh's petition sought sweeping reforms in the conduct of the NEET-UG, including a direction to examine a CBT mode instead of the existing pen-and-paper format. The petition called for structural reforms in the examination system. Some of the demands of the petition, as per Live Law, were 1. Direction to the Union Government to replace the NTA with an independent statutory Examination Authority equipped with technological safeguards, institutional accountability and oversight mechanisms.