NTA Exam Procedures Questioned After NEET‑UG 2026 Paper Leak

In the wake of the NEET‑UG 2026 question‑paper leak, several petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) examination methodology. Petitioners are urging the Court to order a overhaul of the agency or the establishment of an entirely new body that can ensure technological robustness and independence.

During a hearing on August 6, the Court asked the Centre to reply to an affidavit that addressed multiple related petitions. The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, scheduled a further hearing for August 19 to discuss the affidavit’s content in depth.

The Union government’s affidavit highlighted a series of preventive measures, including a fresh legal framework enacted in 2026 that prescribes up to ten years of imprisonment and fines reaching Rs 5 crore for individuals involved in paper‑leak or cheating activities. Additionally, a task force headed by Infosys co‑founder Nandan Nilekani has been commissioned to suggest systemic improvements.

Advocates for the petitioners also raised concerns about the Delhi Police’s use of facial‑recognition technology to identify protesters, arguing that the practice infringes on privacy rights and that the collected data is being handed over to private companies without proper oversight.