New Delhi: The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), a medical body, has moved the Supreme Court seeking restructuring or replacement of the National Testing Agency (NTA), citing repeated paper leaks in NEET-UG as a “direct assault” on the fundamental rights of over 22.7 lakh students.
It urged the court to put in place a robust and autonomous mechanism to conduct the medical entrance examination. It also sought the appointment of a high-powered monitoring committee to oversee a re-examination until a new body is constituted. The plea said the committee should be headed by a retired Supreme Court judge and include a cybersecurity expert and a forensic scientist to prevent further leaks.
“The present writ petition seeks the urgent intervention of this Hon’ble Court against the recurring, systemic and catastrophic failure of the NTA in conducting the NEET-UG,” the plea stated.
Citing findings of the Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group, the petition alleged that “guess papers” circulated on WhatsApp and Telegram contained 120 questions identical to those in the Biology and Chemistry sections of NEET-UG 2026.
It further alleged that despite claims of high-tech safeguards such as 5G jammers, GPS tracking and AI-monitored cameras, these measures existed “only on paper”.
The petitioner sought directions for “digital locking” of question papers and a transition to a computer-based test model to eliminate risks linked to physical handling.
It also requested the court to direct the CBI to file a status report within four weeks detailing the investigation, including the network involved, arrests and progress of prosecution.
For transparency, the plea sought publication of centre-wise results of NEET-UG 2026.
The petition said NEET-UG, a national-level examination for medical admissions, directly impacts the academic and professional prospects of over 22.7 lakh students and alleged that repeated lapses violated Articles 14 and 21.
It contended that the current system relied on “risky, old-fashioned methods” such as physical printing and private courier transport of question papers, making it vulnerable to leaks.
Referring to previous incidents, including the 2024 paper leak, the petitioner said authorities had failed to implement corrective measures. It also cited judicial observations on unauthorised access to strongrooms and transportation of papers through unsecured means.
The plea said the cancellation of the examination has left aspirants and their families uncertain about the fresh exam schedule, centres and counselling timeline.
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