SC defers hearing on plea challenging NEET-UG 2026 re-exam

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (June 17) deferred the hearing of a writ petition challenging the decision of the National Testing Agency (NTA) to cancel and hold the NEET-UG 2026 afresh for over 22 lakh candidates following a paper leak.

The petitioner, former Assistant Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Mangala Kohli, also sought directions from the court restraining the authorities from going ahead with the re-examination till the proceedings of the case are complete.

Matter deferred by court

The matter was listed for hearing before the bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice V Mohana. However, the bench did not hear the case and instructed that it be listed before a bench led by Justice PS Narasimha, which is already hearing various NEET-related cases. The bench will only sit after the Supreme Court resumes regular sittings on July 13.

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The petition contended that a blanket cancellation of the examination and a nationwide re-test adversely affect lakhs of bona fide candidates who have nothing to do with the irregularities.

Plea challenges re-test

“The Petitioner submits that while allegations concerning paper leaks and examination malpractice are serious and require strict investigation and exemplary action against every person involved, the constitutional rights and legitimate interests of lakhs of bona fide candidates cannot be sacrificed owing to institutional and administrative failures attributable to the examination conducting authority itself”, stated the plea as quoted by Live Law.

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The plea argued that the irregularities revealed during the course of the investigation appeared to be restricted to specific individuals, examination centres and organised groups and did not affect the entire examination process.

Cancellation termed excessive

It contended that the decision to cancel the examination and conduct a fresh test across the country was arbitrary, excessive and disproportionate and infringed Articles 14, 19(1)(g) and 21 of the Constitution.

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The petitioner has also sought broader structural and technological changes in the manner national-level competitive examinations are conducted.

Call for examination reforms

Among the other directions sought, the plea has requested the implementation of secure digital examination and evaluation mechanisms, including encrypted digital delivery of question papers, biometric authentication of candidates, AI-assisted surveillance systems and computer-based examination infrastructure.

It has also sought the constitution of an independent expert committee to examine institutional and operational shortcomings within the NTA.