Supreme Court Upholds NEET-UG 2024 Amid Paper Leak Concerns

The Supreme Court upheld the NEET-UG 2024 examination despite concerns of a paper leak, citing no systemic breach beyond specified locations. It directed a review panel led by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan to recommend reforms and submit a report by September 30. The decision impacts over 24 lakh students.

In a crucial verdict on Friday, the Supreme Court confirmed that the NEET-UG 2024 examination will not be canceled despite allegations of a paper leak. The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, emphasized that no systemic breach of the exam's sanctity was evident beyond Hazaribagh and Patna.

The court criticized the National Testing Agency (NTA) for its inconsistent actions this year and issued several directives. These include expanding the mandate of the Centre-appointed panel, chaired by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan, to evaluate NTA's functioning and provide reform recommendations.

The committee is expected to submit its report by September 30. The court highlighted that canceling the exam would severely disrupt the admission process, impact medical education, and disadvantage marginalized groups. Over 24 lakh students took the NEET-UG 2024, aiming for admissions in courses like MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH.