After the NEET-UG leak: what Parliament's education panel wants changed at the NTA
A parliamentary committee has recommended computer-based exams at government-run centres, a large question bank and accountability to Parliament for the National Testing Agency, after this year's NEET-UG was cancelled over a paper leak. The government has already said NEET-UG will be computer-based from next year.
What changed
- A parliamentary committee presented its report on NTA reform on 9 October 2026, recommending computer-based exams, government-run centres and accountability to Parliament.
What happened this year
NEET-UG, the national entrance exam for undergraduate medical courses, was held on 3 May 2026. On 12 May the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled it after allegations of a paper leak. The CBI is investigating.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced a re-examination on 21 June, and said NEET-UG will move to computer-based testing (CBT) from next year, replacing the current OMR answer sheets.
What the committee recommends
On 9 October, Parliament's Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports presented its report on reforms and strengthening of the NTA. It said the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 implies that further improvement is necessary.
The committee recommends moving from pen and paper to a computer-based test model, and involving government-owned and -operated exam centres while reducing reliance on private centres. It urges the NTA to build a large, diverse and continuously updated question bank, adopt robust security protocols and hire staff with expertise in exam security and digital infrastructure. It also calls for a parliamentary framework that makes the NTA accountable to Parliament.
A stretched agency
The committee noted that only 23 officers are in position at the NTA, on deputation, against 39 sanctioned posts: a vacancy of 41%. The agency conducts several national exams each year, including NEET-UG, JEE Main, CUET and UGC-NET.
The Supreme Court is watching too
Hearing pleas about the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak in August, the Supreme Court directed the Union Education Secretary to file an affidavit setting out the steps being taken to implement the Radhakrishnan Committee's recommendations, as refined by the Nandan Nilekani Committee. It also sought details of a permanent committee for sealing question papers.
The Radhakrishnan Committee, chaired by former ISRO chairman K. Radhakrishnan, was set up after the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak controversy and submitted 101 recommendations to the Education Ministry in October 2024.
What it means for NEET 2027 candidates
The committee's report is advice to the government, not a decision. What is settled so far is the minister's announcement that NEET-UG will be computer-based from next year. Candidates preparing for 2027 should practise for a computer-based format and rely only on NTA's official notices for the exam pattern and dates.
Why it matters
- Lakhs of candidates take NEET-UG each year, and this year's leak forced a cancellation and a re-exam.
- The government has already promised computer-based NEET from next year; the committee's report adds pressure for wider reform of the NTA.
What remains uncertain
- The government has not said which of the committee's recommendations it will accept.
- The CBI investigation into the leak is continuing.
Facts and evidence
NEET-UG 2026, held on 3 May, was cancelled by the NTA on 12 May after allegations of a paper leak.
The Education Minister announced a re-exam on 21 June and said NEET-UG will be computer-based from next year; the CBI is investigating.
On 9 October 2026 a parliamentary committee recommended computer-based exams, government-run centres, a large question bank and a framework for NTA's accountability to Parliament.
The committee noted that only 23 of the NTA's 39 sanctioned officer posts are filled, a 41% vacancy.
The Supreme Court directed the Education Secretary to file an affidavit on implementing the Radhakrishnan Committee's 101 recommendations, made in October 2024.
Sources
News On AIR (All India Radio): NTA to re-conduct NEET (UG) 2026 examination on June 21 (15 May 2026)Official record · EN
NTA to re-conduct NEET (UG) 2026 examination on June 21 (15 May 2026)
Read the original sourceNews On AIR (All India Radio): SC seeks Centre's response on implementing the Radhakrishnan Committee's exam reform recommendations after the NEET-UG paper leak (19 August 2026)Official record · EN
SC seeks Centre's response on implementing the Radhakrishnan Committee's exam reform recommendations after the NEET-UG paper leak (19 August 2026)
Read the original sourceThePrint (PTI): NEET UG paper leak: RS panel for mechanism to ensure NTA's accountability to Parliament (9 October 2026)Read at the source · EN
NEET UG paper leak: RS panel for mechanism to ensure NTA's accountability to Parliament (9 October 2026)
Read the original source