The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) has moved the Supreme Court, urging reforms in the conduct of the NEET-UG 2026 examination following the cancellation of the medical entrance test by the National Testing Agency (NTA) amid allegations of a paper leak, according to a LiveLaw report.
Petition Seeks Restructuring of NTA
The petition, filed through advocate Tanvi Dubey, calls for either replacing or fundamentally restructuring the NTA. It alleges a systemic failure in the examination process and demands a fresh NEET-UG 2026 exam conducted under judicial supervision.
Demand for High-Powered Monitoring Committee
FAIMA has requested the Supreme Court to order a re-conduct of the examination under the oversight of a judicially appointed High-Powered Monitoring Committee, chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge. The committee would also include a cybersecurity expert and a forensic scientist, tasked with ensuring a secure and transparent mechanism until a permanent solution is established.
Proposal for National Examination Integrity Commission
The association has also sought the creation of a National Examination Integrity Commission (NEIC) or an interim supervisory body to certify the revised examination process before the re-conduct takes place, as per the LiveLaw report.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy erupted after reports surfaced that portions of the NEET-UG 2026 question paper matched guess papers circulated on WhatsApp and Telegram before the exam, allegedly covering over 100 questions. Following widespread protests and public outrage, the NTA cancelled the exam held on May 3, affecting more than 22 lakh aspirants nationwide. The matter has since been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough probe.
FAIMA's Additional Demands
In its plea, FAIMA has urged the Supreme Court to direct the CBI to submit a status report within four weeks, detailing arrests, identified networks, and progress in the investigation into the alleged paper leak racket. The association has also called for measures including digital locking of question papers, publication of centre-wise results, and a transition to a computer-based testing model to eliminate risks associated with physical handling.
Broader Implications for National Exams
The issue has reignited concerns over the credibility of national-level entrance examinations, particularly after the Supreme Court in 2024 declined to order a NEET re-exam while raising concerns about the functioning of the NTA, according to earlier reports.
