Supreme Court Seeks Accountability in NEET UG Paper Leak Case

The cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 and transferring the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by itself, according to the NTA, conveyed the seriousness with which examination sanctity is looked upon by itself as well as by the Union government.

Court Demands Responsibility In NEET

The court said that accountability needs to be fixed for such catastrophic fiascos that take place on the lives of lakhs of students.

“The real problem will not stop till there is actual accountability. Not in terms of so and so will be liable, it will be effective when we know which individual shoulders the responsibility. Unless you identify the specific duty-bearers, it will be difficult,” Justice Narasimha added.

Strict Security Measures For NEET

The National Testing Agency (NTA) told the Supreme Court that it had instituted wide structural and security reforms following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scam and cancellation of the examination.

A High-Powered Steering Committee (HPSC), in a meeting dated 17th April 2026, has analysed the preparation of NEET-UG 2026 and recommended an array of safeguards under various pre-examination, examination and post-examination phases.

CCTV Monitoring For NEET Centres

These measures include: compulsory CCTV checks and retention of footage for a minimum of 90 days, mock drills to be carried out in examination centers, weather contingency plans, checks on power backup systems, provision of emergency medical facilities, strict physical verification of centers a week prior to examination. Further, the HPSC suggested, there should be post-examination forensic examination of CCTVs to identify malicious activity.

Secure Transport Plan For Papers

Question paper trunks would be sent through India Post with chain-of-custody protocols. Question papers from the press would be transported to nodal hubs with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), then to district custodians via India Post and further to examination centers with the District Police.

Further the affidavit has added that Confidential Operations (CONOPs) have been operationalized. Question paper setters will work in isolated rooms free from Internet/mobile access and a separate chamber will be dedicated for confidential work in the office.