The Supreme Court on Wednesday, August 19, stressed the need for institutionalising reforms within the National Testing Agency (NTA) and cautioned the government against repeatedly replacing expert panels without ensuring continuity in the reform process.

A Bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe made the observations while hearing the matter related to the NEET-UG paper leak and the measures taken to strengthen the examination system.

Court Seeks Fresh Affidavit

The Bench directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to file a fresh affidavit detailing the steps taken by the authorities on the recommendations of earlier inquiry committees.

The court's observations centred on whether the reforms recommended after the NEET-UG controversy were being institutionalised within the NTA or whether the process was being repeatedly restarted through new committees and task forces.

‘Systemic Problem’ Needs Continuity

The Bench referred to the recommendations of the Radhakrishnan Committee, which had identified the examination-related concerns as a systemic problem requiring institutional mechanisms.

The court observed that while the reform process may appear sound on paper, its effectiveness needs to be assessed across successive examinations.

“This process on paper everything is good. But then one exam happens and by the time the second exam happens it is a new picture all together,” the Bench said.

The observation highlights the court's concern that reforms should not remain limited to reports and recommendations but should translate into sustained institutional practices.

Nilekani Task Force Under Focus

The hearing also touched upon the recently constituted Nandan Nilekani task force. The Supreme Court indicated that the formation of the new task force should not automatically mean that the recommendations of the earlier panel headed by a former ISRO chief have been abandoned.

The Bench made it clear that the new exercise should not be interpreted as discarding the earlier committee's work “lock, stock, and barrel”.

The court's approach suggests that recommendations from different expert groups may need to be integrated rather than treated as independent or competing reform exercises.

NTA Examination System

The National Testing Agency conducts several major entrance and eligibility examinations, including the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate), which determines admission to medical courses across the country.

The agency came under intense scrutiny following allegations surrounding the NEET-UG examination, including questions related to paper leaks, irregularities and the handling of examination security.

The Supreme Court has since been examining measures intended to improve the credibility and security of the examination process.

Institutional Reform Is Key

The latest observations place emphasis on long-term institutional reform rather than short-term responses to individual examination controversies.

The court's concern is that repeated committees should not result in a cycle where recommendations are made, followed by a new examination and then another review without establishing a stable system for implementation and monitoring.

The fresh affidavit sought from the government is expected to provide the court with a clearer picture of the progress made on the recommendations and the institutional mechanisms currently being put in place.

What Happens Next

The government will now have to place the updated details before the Supreme Court. The affidavit is expected to address the implementation of recommendations and clarify how the new task force fits into the broader reform framework.

The proceedings assume significance for future NEET-UG examinations as the court continues to examine whether changes within the NTA can provide a more secure, transparent and reliable testing system.