'NEET-UG 2026 cancellation after paper leak shows commitment to exam integrity': NTA to SC
In its affidavit before the SC, NTA outlined new safeguards for conducting national entrance exams and said it is fully cooperating with the CBI investigation
The National Testing Agency (NTA) informed the Supreme Court on Friday (May 29) that its move to cancel the NEET-UG 2026 following the paper leak and handing over the investigation to the CBI showed the sincerity with which the integrity of the examination was being handled by it and the Centre.
Defending cancellation decision
The NTA, in an affidavit, filed before the top court, further stated that it has initiated corrective measures in the wake of the paper leak. According to a report in The Hindu, the affidavit was filed before a bench led by P.S. Narasimha.
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The report further stated that the NTA defended its decision to cancel the examination to safeguard the students’ interests and to ensure that the trust in the national examination system remains intact. The NTA said that it was extending full cooperation to the CBI with regard to the ongoing probe.
Changes to exam framework
The NTA stated in the affidavit that it has modified several aspects of the current examination system. The related changes has been implemented with regard to the examination system including preparation of question papers, printing, transportation and storage rules.
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The NTA stated in its affidavit that several changes have been introduced to the examination process following the NEET-UG paper leak. Among the measures, the agency has adopted multiple versions of question papers, with one additional set maintained as a reserve.
Instead of the earlier A, B, C and D series, each paper will now carry a unique extended code, while the order of answer choices will differ across sets.
Tighter printing safeguards
The affidavit further stated that printing procedures have been strengthened through enhanced verification mechanisms, surveillance measures and security protocols.
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A senior officer has been assigned to supervise the printing process, while electronic devices have been barred from use. CCTV footage generated during the exercise will also be retained.
Secure transport and storage
The NTA informed the court that transportation of question-paper trunks is now being undertaken through India Post under a documented chain-of-custody system. The papers will be escorted by CAPF personnel from printing facilities to nodal centres before being transferred to district custodians and subsequently to examination centres through local police authorities.
According to the affidavit, detailed instructions have also been issued regarding storage of question-paper trunks, with access limited to authorised personnel.
The agency further stated that Confidential Operations (CONOPs) guidelines have been operationalised and that question papers are stored in encrypted form. The NTA said the June 21 re-examination would be conducted under a strengthened SOP framework featuring multi-layer authentication, enhanced monitoring and coordination among agencies.