Top court refuses to alter format for NEET re-test

The Supreme Court on Monday declined a plea to mandate a computer-based re-examination for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026. The bench, however, deferred the matter until July, indicating that the court would consider the issue further.

The petitioners had requested the court to direct the National Testing Agency (NTA) to conduct the re-test in a computer-based format. This format was argued to be more transparent and less prone to errors compared to the current paper-based system.

However, the court acknowledged the practical challenges associated with implementing a computer-based test at this stage. The judges noted that such a significant change in the examination format would require substantial logistical planning and infrastructure, which might not be feasible on short notice. The court's decision reflects a cautious approach, balancing the demand for improved examination processes with the realities of implementation.