The Supreme Court has, raised serious concerns about how the NEET 2026 paper leak issue was handled, and it also criticized the National Testing Agency (NTA) for failing to stop repeated examination irregularities in a proper way.

On Monday, during a hearing, the Court noted that similar fears had already come up in the NEET 2024 controversy. Even after earlier directions and advice were given, the judges said the NTA seems not to have taken enough corrective steps, which is rather troubling.

The Court then issued notices to the NTA, the Central Government, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and asked them to explain, and respond on the matter.

Background of the Controversy

The NEET-UG 2026 examination was held across the country on May 3. Not long after the test, allegations started circulating that the question paper had leaked before the exam actually began. The issue, quickly attracted wide national attention, and it led to strong criticism of the overall examination process.

And no, this is not the first time that the NEET exam has been linked to such accusations. A comparable row unfolded in 2024, again bringing up questions about the security, and also the credibility of the examination system that is managed by the NTA.

Petition Filed in Supreme Court

The Federation of All India Medical Associations approached the Supreme Court concerning the situation. In its petition, the group sought the formation of an independent authority to run medical entrance examinations, rather than relying on the NTA.

The petition claimed that, repeated paper leak incidents have shaken public faith in the existing arrangement, and they say this also shows why tougher monitoring is needed now.

Court Expresses Dissatisfaction

During the hearing the Supreme Court seemed not very happy with the NTA’s response to earlier incidents, and it came across as rather disappointed, maybe too. The Bench said that the agency had already been put under similar scrutiny in the 2024 paper leak case , and back then the Court had created a monitoring committee meant to suggest reforms along with preventive measures.

As per the judges, that committee submitted its recommendations and the NTA did accept them , but now the Court is asking for the specifics on what exactly was done to put those suggestions into practice . The Bench told the NTA to file an affidavit by Thursday, explaining what actions have been taken since the previous incident.

Notices Issued to Centre and CBI

Alongside the NTA, the Supreme Court also issued notices to the Central Government and the CBI. The Court requested both sides to submit their replies on the petition, and to make their stand clear about the matter.

The case is likely to drag on through upcoming hearings, as the Court checks whether sufficient safeguards were actually introduced after the earlier controversy.

Concerns Over Examination Integrity

The recurring claims around NEET have raised fresh worries about fairness and transparency in national-level entrance examinations. Students, parents, and even medical organisations have been pushing for stronger mechanisms to stop leaks, and to keep the playing field even for all candidates.

The Court’s newest observations suggest that accountability, plus proper implementation of reforms will keep being the main focus as the proceedings continue.