‘What Happens To Transparency?’: SC Asks NBEMS Why It Restricts NEET PG Question Paper Disclosure

Last Updated:November 03, 2026, 11:28 IST

NEET PG: During the hearing, counsel for NBEMS argued that the question bank for postgraduate exams is limited and should be treated as a national asset.

The Supreme Court has sought a detailed explanation from NBEMS before considering the issue further. (File/Representative Image)

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) to explain why it restricts the disclosure of question papers and answer keys for the NEET-PG examination.

A bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe directed NBEMS to submit a written response explaining how allowing candidates to retain copies of question papers could affect the integrity of the examination, reported PTI.

“The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) shall file written submissions explaining why disclosure of questions may compromise the integrity for upholding the exams for postgraduate NEET,” the bench said in its order.

The court was hearing a batch of petitions raising various concerns about the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG), including demands for greater transparency through the disclosure of answer keys.

During the hearing, counsel for NBEMS argued that the question bank for postgraduate examinations is limited and should be treated as a national asset.

A lawyer appearing in the matter, however, pointed out that previous years’ NEET-PG question papers were readily available for sale on Amazon and questioned why NBEMS was reluctant to disclose them.

Responding to the submissions, Justice Narasimha questioned the board’s approach and stressed the need for transparency.

“What happens to transparency? You need much more explanation of what you are doing,” he said.

“We are not fully satisfied. You will have to explain to us exactly why you stand on a different footing from any other examination,” the judge added.

The NBEMS counsel maintained that the questions were limited and prepared by experts from across the country. The lawyer argued that disclosing them year after year could weaken the question bank.

“If we start disclosing the questions themselves, year after year, all our questions in the next five-six years will be quoted,” the counsel said, adding that the board did not want candidates to have access to the answer key.

The Supreme Court has sought a detailed explanation from NBEMS before considering the issue further.

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Why did the Supreme Court ask NBEMS to explain its policy on NEET-PG question paper disclosure?

The Supreme Court asked NBEMS to file a written response explaining why it restricts the disclosure of question papers and answer keys, questioning how allowing candidate access would compromise exam integrity and why it stands on a different footing than other exams.

What reason did NBEMS provide for not disclosing NEET-PG question papers and answer keys?

Counsel for NBEMS argued that the postgraduate question bank is limited, prepared by nationwide experts, and treating it as a national asset means that disclosing questions year after year would deplete the question pool over five to six years.

When was NEET-PG 2026 conducted, and why was a supplementary re-exam held?

The NEET-PG 2026 examination was conducted on August 30, while a supplementary re-exam was held on September 5 for candidates affected by a technical disruption and power failure at a Jaipur centre.

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