Bombay high court orders immediate facilities upgrade at exam centres ahead of NEET (UG)

NAGPUR: Taking suo motu cognisance of a media report highlighting inadequate infrastructure at examination centres, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Friday directed authorities to immediately ensure basic facilities for candidates appearing in upcoming competitive exams, including NEET (UG) on May 3.

A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode observed that several centres in Nagpur and across Vidarbha may lack “proper ventilation, availability of air and cooling arrangements, access of potable drinking water and basic medical assistance,” exposing students to risks such as dehydration and heat exhaustion.

The court said the issue “is not merely one of administrative inadequacy, but one that directly concerns the health and well-being of students,” invoking Article 21 to underline that conducting exams in unsafe conditions would violate the right to live with dignity.

The proceedings arose from a Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation registered after a media report flagged concerns over arrangements for NEET candidates. Amicus Curiae Aastha Sharma informed the court that similar deficiencies extend to other major examinations, including CA final and State-CET entrance tests.

Cautioning authorities, the bench noted that “any situation that causes discomfort to students during the examination can directly affect their performance and the dreams they have been pursuing for the past few years.” It stressed that candidates, after years of preparation, should not be subjected to avoidable hardships during such crucial tests.

Referring to a 2025 ruling by the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court—later upheld by the Supreme Court—the bench reiterated that authorities must ensure uninterrupted power supply, proper seating, cooling arrangements and other essential facilities.

The earlier judgment had warned that lapses during exams could leave students and families feeling “they could not reach a place they dreamed in life.”

The court issued notices to the Union government, the state, and other respondents, returnable on May 7. It directed the state authorities to “forthwith ensure” that all examination centres in Vidarbha are equipped with adequate ventilation, air coolers or fans, uninterrupted electricity, and sufficient drinking water, in line with National Testing Agency guidelines issued on January 10, 2026.

Counsel for all parties waived formal service of notice and undertook to communicate the order immediately.