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The top court stressed the need for an examination body capable of developing expertise over successive years, citing the UPSC as an example.
Visuals of CJP protest at Jantar Mantar. (Source: PTI)
The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought details from the Centre on the implementation of recommendations made by the K Radhakrishnan-led committee, as refined by the panel headed by Nandan Nilekani, for restructuring the National Testing Agency (NTA).
A Bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe was hearing pleas seeking structural reforms in the NTA following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
The apex court, while scrutinising the NTA’s capacity, stated that a scientifically equipped body like the UPSC was needed for handling the examination.
What Centre Said ON NTA’s Examination Management
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the safeguards currently used by the NTA to protect question papers were “foolproof”, though he acknowledged that human involvement could leave room for error.
He explained that multiple moderators prepare questions, while another group selects them to create four question papers, ensuring those involved do not know which paper will eventually be used.
The Centre said the selected papers are sent in sealed covers to separate printing presses, where CCTV surveillance and CISF security are in place.
Question papers are transported in secured containers in GPS-enabled vehicles, while their storage in strong rooms is videographed and documented by officials.
On exam day, the sealed boxes are opened under video recording in the presence of two students before classroom-wise distribution.
SC On Reforms Needed In NTA
Justice Narasimha said the Centre’s response must go beyond listing security measures and spell out how the reforms recommended by the expert panel have been translated into a permanent institutional setup.
“This is why the committee has suggested that these are things that need to be institutionalised. What is the body, how many officers are there, where is the office situated, how much staff and security? These are the matters with which we are seriously concerned,” the judge said.
The Bench stressed that the responsibility for maintaining examination integrity must rest with a specialised institution rather than depend on safeguards devised separately for each test.
“These integrity [issues] are not for us to see. You will have to entrust [them] to a body which is scientifically [equipped] and also dedicated,” Justice Narasimha said.
He also underlined the need to build expertise within the organisation that can be carried forward across examinations.
“You have to train and prepare the personnel for times to come, not just for one examination… candidate-friendly arrangements, grievance mechanism, strengthening physical and intellectual capacity. This is the most important,” the judge said.
The judge further sought clarity on whether the infrastructure and manpower envisaged under the reform plan had actually been put in place.
Referring to the proposed 16 verticals covering areas such as testing centres, network operations, candidate experience and information security, he said, “For each of these the committee has said that you need to create that infrastructure.” When Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said, “Advertisements have gone out,” the Bench followed up: “How many officers appointed? Have they taken charge?”
Justice Narasimha also sought details of appointments to key positions proposed under the restructured NTA, as well as its premises and staffing.
“You provided a Director General. There are two additional… joint secretary levels and IT directors and joint directors. How many of them have been appointed? Have they taken charge? Is there a separate premises? This is what we want to know by way of a regular affidavit,” he said.
The UPSC Example
The Bench also stressed the need for an examination body capable of developing expertise over successive years, citing the UPSC as an example.
“Take UPSC for example. Over a period of time regularly they were conducting exam after exam and they have collected institutional memory and expertise because it happened over a period of time.The body which is entrusted in conducting the exam, ensures that it also upgrades itself and becomes a vibrant institution like that,” Justice Narasimha said.
The court directed the Union Secretary to file an affidavit within three weeks setting out the measures taken to implement the Radhakrishnan Committee’s recommendations, as reflected and refined by the Nilekani panel, along with indicative timelines.
Key Questions Answered
Ask News18The government is implementing the expert panel’s recommendations by restructuring the National Testing Agency (NTA), reducing its reliance on outsourced personnel, strengthening coordination with states, and adopting technology-based safeguards. The NTA has removed 600 experts and plans to induct 20-25 new officials within the next two to three weeks. A four-tier system for checking question papers will also be introduced.
Ask News18About the Author
Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news. She specialises in editorial leadership, sharp news judgment, and high-impact st…Read More
Delhi, India, India
August 19, 2026, 2:00 PM IST
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