Supreme Court to inspect NTA office, seeks update on Nandan Nilekani panel report

The Supreme Court has said it may visit the NTA's permanent office while hearing NEET-UG 2026 paper leak petitions. It has sought updated affidavits on reforms and committee progress to assess whether changes are working on the ground.The Supreme Court said the recommendations of the committees should not remain limited to reports and must be implemented on the ground. (File Photo: ITG)The Supreme Court, while hearing multiple petitions related to the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, said it may visit the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) permanent office to assess whether the systems put in place to conduct examinations are actually functioning.Justice PS Narasimha said the court could visit the NTA office to examine its systems, manpower and other arrangements.On NTA reforms, the court said the recommendations of the committees should not remain limited to reports and must be implemented on the ground.The Supreme Court directed the Joint Secretary coordinating with the high-powered committee to file an affidavit detailing the committee’s progress. The NTA was also directed to file an updated affidavit on the reforms and progress made and upload the information on its website. Lawyers and states can also submit their suggestions through a designated email address.The court will consider the matter after the updated affidavit is filed.WHAT MORE DID THE SUPREME COURT DISCUSS The Supreme Court also discussed the need to strengthen the institutional structure of the NTA, including increasing the number of permanent staff. The bench said the agency should have adequate manpower and effective coordination with other institutions, while also examining whether it requires statutory backing.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the Nandan Nilekani-led high-powered committee had conducted extensive consultations and could submit its report by the end of September. The court stressed that progress should not stop with recommendations or reports, and that the suggestions of domain experts must ultimately lead to institutionalised changes in the examination system.- EndsPublished By: Mridusmita DekaPublished On: Sep 18, 2026 14:33 IST