NEET paper leak row: SC says NTA 'hasn’t learned its lesson', issues notice to Centre on reform pleas

The Supreme Court on Monday expressed disappointment over the National Testing Agency’s handling of repeated paper leak incidents, observing that the agency appeared to have failed to learn from previous controversies despite multiple directions issued by the court.Hearing petitions seeking reforms in the examination system, the apex court sought responses from the Centre, the NTA and the Central Bureau of Investigation.“So sad, they haven't learnt their lessons, we constituted a committe.”Also read: NEET paper leak: Pune school principal shared questions for money, CBI tells courtWhat’s in the plea?In their plea, FAIMA and UDF sought directions to replace or overhaul the NTA and establish a more secure and autonomous mechanism for conducting the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Undergraduate (NEET UG).SC directs NTA to file affidavitNTA has also been directed to file an affidavit detailing compliance with recommendations made by the court-appointed monitoring committee constituted after the NEET paper leak controversy.“In the meanwhile we direct the NTA to file an affidavit indicating the position as regard to the monitoring committee constituted on 14 November.”In addition, Justice Radhakrishna has also been asked to file an affidavit indicating steps taken to ensure the compliance of the high powered committee.“Affidavit shall be filed within three days,” the court said.Also read: NEET paper leak case: Accused Shubham Khairnar sent to judicial custody till June 6What's the case?The NEET-UG 2026 examination was cancelled amid allegations of a paper leak after investigators found evidence suggesting that a so-called “guess paper” had been circulated among aspirants weeks before the exam.The re-exam has been scheduled for June 21 with the matter has now been listed for hearing on Friday- May 29,2026.