SC to Consider Nilekani Task Force Suggestions on Online NEET Exam
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Supreme Court is awaiting recommendations from a high-powered task force led by Nandan Nilekani on conducting the NEET exam online. This follows the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 due to a paper leak, prompting a retest and a broader debate on exam security.
Background
NEET-UG 2026, held on May 3, was cancelled by the National Testing Agency on May 12 over alleged paper leak. A retest was conducted on June 21. The CBI is investigating the leak. The government formed a task force to suggest measures for secure online conduct of the exam.
Key facts
Supreme Court bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe is hearing a plea by RJD MP Sudhakar Singh.
The court said it will consider suggestions from the Nilekani-led task force on online NEET conduct.
The bench emphasized need for additional safeguards on cyber security and database protection for online exams.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court about the high-level committee headed by Nandan Nilekani.
Task force members include: Nandan Nilekani (chair), former ISRO chief S Somanath, former IB director Tapan Deka, IIT Chennai director V Kamakoti, former education secretary Anita Karwal, and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena.
NEET-UG 2026 (May 3) was cancelled due to paper leak; retest held on June 21.
CBI is investigating the paper leak case.
The court listed the plea for next Monday.
Prelims pointers
- NEET-UG: National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate medical admissions.
- National Testing Agency (NTA): Conducts NEET-UG.
- Nandan Nilekani: Co-founder of Infosys, former chairman of UIDAI (Aadhaar).
- ISRO: Indian Space Research Organisation.
- CBI: Central Bureau of Investigation.
- Supreme Court bench: Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe.
Mains angles
- GS2: Issues relating to education, examination reforms, and role of judiciary in ensuring fair exams.
- GS3: Cyber security challenges in online examinations and data protection.
- GS2: Government policies and interventions for transparency in public examinations.