The Centre on Monday (August 4) said it will place before the Supreme Court the complete process, along with the safeguards adopted, from the printing
of the NEET question paper until it reaches medical aspirants, as reported by PTI. The Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a bench comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe that the Centre wants to elucidate the methodology adopted and present it before the apex court through a written affidavit. Mehta sought time for a hearing on Thursday or Friday. The bench asked him to apprise it of the process and posted a batch of petitions seeking additional protection for NEET question papers for hearing on Thursday. Mehta informed the court that the written declaration will be filed in the course of the day.
SC to Review Nilekani-led Committee’s Recommendations on Shift to CBT Mode
On July 27, the top court said it would await and examine the suggestions of the Nandan Nilekani-led high-powered task force set up by the government on the online conduct of the NEET examination, which is set to be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode from 2027 onwards.
It said that some innovative recommendations are required, especially during the shift from pen-and-paper mode to the online mode.
Representing the Centre, Solicitor General Mehta informed the bench that the Centre is treating the issue of recurring paper leaks with gravity, adding that a high-level committee has been set up in this regard.
He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement and that the panel will be chaired by Nandan Nilekani, an expert in the field of technology.
Mehta added that other members of the task force include ISRO Chairman S Somanath, former Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti, former Education Secretary Anita Karwal, and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena.
As announced by the Ministry of Education, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test will be held in computer-based test (CBT) mode starting in 2027. The major shift was announced by the ministry following an alleged NEET paper leak, which prompted a re-examination.
