NTA Tells Supreme Court NEET Security and Digital Monitoring Reforms Are Now Institutionalised

In a formal affidavit to the Supreme Court, the National Testing Agency (NTA) detailed a shift from discretionary security to an institutionalised framework for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). This overhaul follows the 2024 malpractices and the subsequent CBI investigation. The new protocol ensures every phase of the examination—from printing and transportation to distribution—is subject to multi-layered surveillance.

The administrative transition aims to fix the trust deficit among medical aspirants by standardising digital monitoring and candidate verification. By making biometric checks and frisking mandatory, the NTA intends to block proxy candidates and prevent unauthorised access to sensitive materials. Additionally, the agency confirmed it is providing full cooperation to the CBI to prosecute networks involved in previous breaches, indicating a stricter stance on examination fraud.

• Paper Security: Overhauled storage and transportation protocols.
• Verification: Mandatory biometric checks and frisking at all centers.
• Surveillance: Implementation of real-time digital monitoring during exams.
• Legal Action: Continuous cooperation with the CBI on past breach investigations.

Glossary

Term: NTA. National Testing Agency, the central body responsible for conducting entrance examinations for Indian higher education institutions.

Term: Affidavit. A sworn written statement submitted to a court to be used as evidence.