NEET re-exam in computer-based test format not practical, says SC

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court refused to entertain a fresh plea seeking to make the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for June 21 a computer-based test format. The exam held on May 3 was cancelled following the question paper leak controversy. A decision was then taken for a re-examination. A bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Arvind Kumar observed that changing the exam pattern in the present situation would create practical difficulties.

RJD lawmaker Sudhakar Singh had filed a plea in the Supreme Court, stating that the possibility of question paper leakage can be prevented if the objective type OMR (paper-pen) method is replaced by an online exam. However, the court observed that changing the exam pattern in a short time would put more pressure on the agencies. The court had also dismissed previous petitions raising similar demands. The court, which refused to consider the matter urgently, adjourned the plea to July after the summer vacation.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) informed the court that it has decided to make the NEET exam completely computer-based format from next year. As per the recommendation of the expert committee, the new method will be implemented from the next exam cycle in consultation with the health ministry. The re-examination on June 21 will be held as scheduled with tight security norms and proper monitoring systems, NTA told the court.