The Supreme Court today reiterated the need to institutionalise the National Testing Agency (NTA), with secure infrastructure, dedicated testing centres, cyber-security systems, institutional expertise and a permanent mechanism for examination-related operations to prevent future paper leaks.

 

While hearing pleas concerning the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, the Court directed the Union Secretary for the Ministry of Education to file an affidavit setting out the steps being taken to implement the Radhakrishnan Committee’s recommendations, as nuanced by the Nandan Nilekani Committee.

 

The Court said its objective was to ensure that the country has a robust examination institution capable of retaining expertise and adapting to technological changes.  The Court specifically sought details on the implementation of recommendations relating to a permanent committee for sealing question papers, the appointment of senior officers and creation of institutional expertise. 

 

Solicitor General appearing for the Centre and NTA, explained the safeguards currently in place for the preparation, printing, transportation and distribution of question papers. The Solicitor General said the identity of the final question paper remains unknown until it is sent in sealed boxes to identified printing presses, which are monitored through CCTV and CISF surveillance. 

 

The K. Radhakrishnan Committee was constituted under the chairmanship of former ISRO chairman Dr K. Radhakrishnan after the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak controversy. It submitted its report to the Ministry of Education in October 2024, making 101 recommendations to overhaul the NTA and strengthen the security and integrity of public examinations.