NEET Paper Leak Fallout: Centre Reveals New Exam Security System, Says Computer-Based Test Under Consideration Before Supreme Court

In an affidavit filed before a Bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe hearing petitions seeking structural reforms in the functioning of the NTA, the Centre detailed the measures introduced pursuant to the Supreme Court's May 29, 2026 order directing it to explain how the conduct of NEET examinations would be institutionalised to ensure that lessons from previous lapses are embedded into future examination processes.

NEET Computer-based Exam under active consideration

The affidavit, filed by Arvind Kumar Sinha, Under Secretary in the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, states that while the NTA has already migrated several national examinations to a computer-based format, NEET continues to be conducted in pen-and-paper mode because of its scale and the need to ensure inclusivity across the country.

The Centre informed the Court that shifting NEET to a computer-based examination is presently under active consideration. Stakeholders are examining a phased transition, including a possible two-stage model similar to the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE).

According to the affidavit, a final decision will be taken only after considering the recommendations of the High-Level Task Force, consulting all stakeholders, and providing adequate notice to candidates.

Centre highlights two major reform measures

The Union Government submitted that two landmark measures have already been implemented following the controversy.

The first is the enactment of the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Act, 2026, which strengthens the 2024 legislation by prescribing stricter punishments for offences such as paper leaks, candidate impersonation, tampering with computer networks and other examination-related malpractices. The amendment also provides for fast-track courts to ensure expeditious prosecution.

Secondly, the Centre has constituted a High-Powered Task Force under the chairmanship of Infosys co-founder and former UIDAI Chairperson Nandan Nilekani. The Task Force includes former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, former Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, former School Education Secretary Anita Karwal, and former Bihar Chief Secretary Amit Lal Meena.

The Task Force has been mandated to review, recommend and guide end-to-end reforms in examinations conducted by the NTA and is expected to submit its recommendations within three months.

End-to-End security architecture explained

The Centre informed the Supreme Court that, under the leadership of former ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, who heads the High-Level Committee of Experts, a comprehensive security design has been developed covering every stage of the examination process, beginning with the preparation of question papers and ending with declaration of results.

While the Government declined to disclose the complete Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), citing security and confidentiality concerns, it broadly outlined the safeguards now in place.

According to the affidavit, question papers are prepared by subject experts assembled at a highly secured location under complete isolation. Electronic devices are prohibited inside the premises, every individual leaving the facility undergoes frisking, and security is maintained by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

The experts prepare a question bank containing at least five times the number of questions required for the examination. The final paper is selected through a process ensuring that no single individual has access to the complete question paper.

The selected papers are then translated into 13 languages using artificial intelligence. Multiple sets of question papers are simultaneously processed through translation, printing, packing, transportation and secure storage so that any compromised paper can immediately be replaced.

Printing, Packing and Transportation

The affidavit states that confidential empanelled printers are engaged for printing different sets of question papers under continuous surveillance with CAPF deployment.

Each question paper packet is secured through multiple tamper-proof layers and assigned a unique QR code. The packets are stored inside GPS-enabled steel trunks fitted with one-time locks that can only be opened by cutting.

The sealed trunks are transported under CAPF escort to designated custodian banks. On the day of the examination, authorised officials decide which question paper set will be used.

Thereafter, question papers are escorted from custodian banks to examination centres under the supervision of Executive Magistrates, CAPF personnel and State Police.

Biometric verification and dual OMR system

The Centre further informed the Court that candidates undergo biometric verification through fingerprint authentication, facial recognition and identity verification before entering examination centres. Hand-held metal detectors are also used during frisking.

After the examination, each candidate's OMR response sheet is prepared in two separate copies, both of which are packed independently at the examination centre itself as an additional safeguard against tampering.

The matter is pending before the Supreme Court, which is examining a batch of petitions seeking comprehensive reforms in the functioning of the National Testing Agency following recurring controversies surrounding NEET examinations.