New Delhi: The Central Government has informed the Supreme Court that it is considering major reforms to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate courses, commonly known as NEET UG, to make the examination more secure and prevent future question paper leaks. The Centre told the court that it is studying the possibility of shifting NEET towards a model similar to the Joint Entrance Examination, or JEE, which uses multiple security measures and computer based testing.
The submission was made through an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court in response to petitions seeking changes in the examination system after the controversy surrounding the NEET UG 2026 paper leak. The government said its main objective is to ensure that students across the country can take the examination in a fair, transparent and secure environment.
According to the affidavit, the Centre is examining several proposals that could significantly change the way NEET is conducted in the future. One of the key ideas under consideration is introducing a two stage examination system similar to the JEE. Another proposal is to gradually move from the traditional pen and paper format to a computer based examination. The government also plans to strengthen security through the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain to safeguard question papers and monitor different stages of the examination process.
The Centre, however, made it clear that no final decision has been taken on these proposals. It informed the Supreme Court that the recommendations of a high level expert committee chaired by Nandan Nilekani are still awaited. The committee was formed to suggest long term reforms to India's public examination system following concerns raised after the NEET paper leak. The government said any major change to the examination pattern or mode of conducting the test will be considered only after studying the committee's recommendations.
The affidavit also explained why NEET has continued to be held as a pen and paper examination while JEE is conducted online. The government pointed out that NEET is one of the largest entrance examinations in the country, with candidates appearing from thousands of centres across urban, rural and remote areas. Many of these regions still face limitations in computer infrastructure and internet connectivity. Because of these challenges, the Centre believes that any transition to a computer based examination must be carefully planned to ensure that students from all parts of the country have equal access and are not placed at a disadvantage.
The government also informed the court that several security improvements have already been introduced following the 2026 paper leak. These include stronger protection during the printing, transportation and storage of question papers, a multilayer security system, artificial intelligence based monitoring, blockchain backed safeguards and better coordination between examination authorities and law enforcement agencies. Officials said these measures are intended to reduce the risk of leaks and strengthen public confidence in the examination process.
The proposed reforms come after the NEET UG 2026 paper leak triggered nationwide concern among students, parents and educators. The controversy led to protests, legal challenges and a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry. The examination was eventually cancelled and conducted again, while investigators continued to probe the alleged leak. Several individuals, including suspected middlemen and others linked to the examination process, have since been chargesheeted in connection with the case.
The Supreme Court is currently hearing petitions seeking stronger safeguards for national entrance examinations. During the proceedings, the Centre assured the court that it is committed to building a more reliable examination system while maintaining equal opportunities for candidates across the country.
For now, students preparing for NEET need not expect any immediate change in the examination format. The government has stated that any decision on introducing a two stage examination or shifting to a computer based system will be taken only after the expert committee submits its report and the recommendations are carefully evaluated. Until then, the Centre says its priority is to strengthen security measures and ensure that future examinations remain fair, transparent and free from malpractice.