Supreme Court May Visit NTA Office, Seeks Update on Nilekani Panel
The Supreme Court may inspect the NTA’s facilities as it seeks updates on NEET reforms and the Nandan Nilekani-led panel’s report.
The Supreme Court has indicated that its judges may visit the National Testing Agency’s permanent office to assess whether reforms introduced after concerns over the NEET-UG 2026 examination are functioning in practice. The court also sought updated information on the progress of reforms and the Nandan Nilekani-led high-powered committee.
A bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe said it could inspect the NTA’s systems, infrastructure and manpower. The court stressed that recommendations made by expert committees should translate into changes on the ground rather than remain limited to reports.
The court directed the Joint Secretary assisting the Nilekani panel to file an affidavit detailing the work completed so far. The NTA was also asked to submit an updated affidavit covering the reforms implemented and progress made, with the information to be uploaded on its website.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the Nilekani-led committee had completed extensive consultations and was likely to submit its first interim report by the end of September. The panel has also consulted members of an earlier committee headed by former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan.
The hearing also focused on the need for a more permanent institutional structure at the NTA, including permanent staff and dedicated divisions with limited reliance on deputation. The Centre said the upgraded system had established a more permanent structure, although staffing was only partially in place.
The court will consider the matter further after the updated affidavits are filed.
