On Monday, the Supreme Court declined to direct that the NEET-UG 2026 re-test be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode, leaving the June 21 examination to proceed in the existing pen-and-paper format. The issue arose in the aftermath of the cancellation of the earlier NEET-UG examination over alleged paper leaks, with questions continuing to be raised about the conduct of one of India's most competitive entrance tests.
The controversy began after RJD MP Sudhakar Singh and others approached the Supreme Court seeking a change in the format of the upcoming NEET-UG 2026 re-test. Arguing that the examination should be conducted through computer-based testing, the petitioners pointed to the circumstances that led to the cancellation of the May 3 test and the ongoing investigation into the alleged paper leak. Their request focused solely on the mode of the re-examination, while the NTA continued making arrangements for the June 21 test.
The Division Bench of Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice Aravind Kumar was not inclined to intervene in the conduct of the upcoming re-test. Emphasising the practical difficulties presently faced by the testing agency, the Bench observed, “There is no question of conducting the re-examination in CBT mode. They (the NTA) are already having too many problems.” The Court also noted that similar pleas had previously been rejected and remarked that the current focus should remain on the re-conduct of the examination.
Consequently, the Bench refused to direct that the June 21 NEET-UG re-test be held in computer-based mode and posted the matter for hearing on July 27.
Source PTI
Picture Source :