The central government, under its new Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, has filed its first affidavit in the Supreme Court. The affidavit has been filed pursuant
to the direction of a Bench led by Justice P S Narasimha, which is hearing two petitions filed by the Federation of All India Medical Association and United Doctor’s Front seeking reforms after alleging systemic failures within the NTA. They have sought the establishment of an independent body to conduct the examination. Making a major submission, the Centre said that, with respect to NEET-UG, the migration from the pen-and-paper mode to a computer-based mode — whether in a single-stage or a two-stage examination on the pattern of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main and Advanced — is presently under active consideration by all stakeholders. “Union of India respectfully submits that the final approach will be adopted after considering, and with the benefit of, the recommendations of the high-powered task force under the chairmanship of Shri Nandan Nilekani. Computer-based mode was also recommended earlier by the Radhakrishnan Committee.” The affidavit spoke about the Centre’s continued commitment to the integrity and credibility of national examinations conducted by the NTA, as well as efforts to further strengthen the examination system. SC advocate Satyam Singh Rajput who represents one of the petitioner in NEET reforms case RJD MP Sudhakar Singh said Supreme Court will peruse the affidavit on the next date of hearing which is tomorrow (August 6) and is expected to pass some interim orders Centre Details NEET Safeguards, New Anti-Cheating Law The affidavit also places on record the process adopted with safeguards right from the printing of the NEET question paper until it reaches the students. The affidavit said the composition of the task force, with domain expertise drawn from technology, space, intelligence, academia and public administration, ensures a rigorous and holistic examination of the technological, security, equity, infrastructure and pedagogic dimensions of the transition. The Ministry goes on to say that the Centre remains committed to providing candidates with adequate advance notice of any change in the mode or design of the examination, so that any transition may be smooth, equitable and free of avoidable stress for candidates. It also informed the Supreme Court about the fool-proof, tamper-free examination system envisaged through the new law, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, and explained the heavy penalties proposed, including an increase in jail terms and hefty fines for examination leaks and cheating.
