On Monday, the Supreme Court declined to hear a petition seeking to conduct the re-test for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET)-UG 2026—scheduled for June 21—in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode rather than the existing pen-and-paper format. The Court has scheduled the next hearing of the matter for July.
The case came up for hearing before a bench comprising Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice Aravind Kumar. Right at the outset, the bench made it clear to the petitioner’s counsel that it was not inclined to entertain the plea.
Advocate Satyam Singh emphasized that his client sought to have the NEET-UG 2026 re-test—scheduled for June 21—conducted via the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode instead of as a physical examination.
“We have already dismissed similar matters… You are aware of the kind of difficulties we are facing. The exam was cancelled. They are conducting the exam again.”
Justice Narasimha remarked, “Given the kind of pressure they are under…” When the counsel reiterated that he was pressing only for the prayer regarding the CBT mode, the bench stated that it would not take up the matter for immediate hearing.
Adjourning the matter, Justice Narasimha observed, “We will list this after the vacations.” This petition has been tagged with another petition seeking reforms within the National Testing Agency (NTA).
The bench was hearing a petition filed by RJD MP Sudhakar Singh and others, seeking various reliefs pertaining to the NEET examination.
On May 29, the Supreme Court termed the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination due to a paper leak as “traumatic,” noting that it involves a massive investment of emotions and aspirations, while also raising several queries regarding the leak. The Supreme Court emphasized that accountability is essential—responsibility must be borne by identifiable individuals—and urged the National Testing Agency (NTA) to learn from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which has never faced such a breach. The Supreme Court was informed that the Prime Minister himself is monitoring the NEET paper leak case to ensure that no lapses occur.
