The Supreme Court held an important hearing on the NEET UG paper leak case Wednesday, August 19. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta explained the safeguards used during question paper preparation and delivery. He said authorities maintain strict confidentiality throughout the process. According to Mehta, the NEET system remains completely secure and difficult to breach. He highlighted several measures used to protect examination materials.
Mehta said GPS devices track vehicles carrying NEET question papers. Every small movement gets recorded through the tracking system. He also explained how authorities prepare the question bank. Several moderators receive responsibility for creating questions. However, those moderators do not know which questions will enter the final paper.
The Centre therefore argued that the examination system contains strong safeguards. However, the bench questioned whether those measures address deeper institutional problems.
Supreme Court asks NTA to learn from UPSC
The judge said the Radhakrishnan Committee had already reviewed the safeguards mentioned by Mehta. According to the bench, the committee had identified institutional problems within the examination system. Therefore, judges said they wanted a solution with long-term impact.
The court then pointed towards the UPSC examination system. The judge said UPSC conducts examinations without such problems. Therefore, NTA should also develop a system capable of similar performance.
The bench further stressed the need for specialised officials. Judges asked authorities to appoint expert officers who understand changing technology. Such expertise, according to the court, could help strengthen examination systems.
The hearing thus shifted beyond individual safeguards towards institutional reform. The Supreme Court’s remarks placed greater emphasis on lasting solutions. Meanwhile, the Centre defended the existing security measures before the bench.
