SC seeks Centre's stand on computer-based NEET-UG exams and data security reforms
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Supreme Court has sought a detailed response from the Centre on shifting NEET-UG to a computer-based test (CBT) and implementing data security reforms. This follows the 2024 NEET paper leak and concerns over ad-hoc measures like deploying the Indian Air Force to transport question papers.
Background
The NEET-UG 2024 exam faced a major paper leak, leading to protests and demands for reforms. The Ministry of Education constituted a seven-member High Level Committee of Experts (HLCE) under former ISRO chairman K. Radhakrishnan, which submitted a report in October 2024 recommending sweeping changes, including a transition to CBT.
Key facts
Supreme Court bench of justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe heard petitions seeking replacement of NTA with a statutory body.
The court observed that extraordinary arrangements like deploying IAF to transport question papers are short-term solutions.
The court stressed institutionalisation over ad-hocism to ensure exam integrity.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that the government is going '10 extra miles' to address student concerns.
The HLCE report proposed sweeping changes, including a shift to computer-based testing (CBT).
The court questioned the Centre on implementing key recommendations of the HLCE report.
Petitions were filed by Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) and United Doctors Front (UDF).
Prelims pointers
- NEET-UG: National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate medical courses.
- NTA: National Testing Agency, conducts NEET-UG.
- HLCE: High Level Committee of Experts, formed in 2024 under K. Radhakrishnan.
- CBT: Computer-Based Test.
- IAF: Indian Air Force.
- SC bench: Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe.
Mains angles
- Discuss the challenges in conducting high-stakes exams like NEET-UG and the need for institutional reforms.
- Critically examine the role of NTA in ensuring exam integrity and the feasibility of transitioning to CBT.
- Analyze the balance between ad-hoc measures and long-term institutional solutions in public examination systems.