No NEET Exam in Online Mode: Supreme Court Closes NEET 2024 Paper Leak Case

 

The NEET UG 2024 exam, India’s most significant medical entrance test, recently came under national scrutiny after reports of a paper leak surfaced from multiple states. The controversy triggered legal petitions, sparked student outrage, and forced the centre to respond with institutional reforms.

On April 8, 2025, the Supreme Court of India closed the ongoing case related to the NEET UG 2024 paper leak case after the Centre assured the court it would implement recommendations by a seven-member expert panel, except for transitioning the NEET exam to online mode, which the centre has deferred for the time being.

This blog outlines the developments in the NEET UG 2024 Paper Leak Case, panel recommendations, the Centre’s response, and what NEET aspirants can expect moving forward.

 

NEET UG 2024 Paper Leak Case and Controversy

NEET UG 2024 Paper Leak Case: In May 2024, hours before the NEET UG exam began, reports emerged alleging that the question paper had been leaked and shared via social media apps in some regions. These claims came from states like Bihar, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, prompting student protests and widespread media coverage in light of the NEET UG 2024 Paper Leak Case.

Despite initial denials of the NEET UG 2024 Paper Leak Case, civil society and education stakeholders escalated the matter to the Supreme Court. Several PILs were filed, calling for a probe, possible retest, and stronger exam safeguards.

Supreme Court's Decision

A bench comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi reviewed the Centre’s submissions, which included compliance reports and an outline of future safeguards. The Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, assured the court that the government had accepted six out of seven recommendations from the expert panel.

Based on these assurances, the Supreme Court disposed of the plea and closed the case. The one recommendation that was not accepted was the proposal to conduct NEET UG online.

Also Read What Are the Minimum Marks to Qualify NEET 2025? Learn Qualifying Cut Off

Expert Panel Recommendations

Following the NEET UG 2024 Paper Leak Case, the Ministry of Education formed a seven-member expert panel to review NTA’s practices and recommend reforms to ensure the security of future exams.

Panel Recommendations and Government Response

Why Was the NEET Exam in Online Mode Rejected?

While the NEET UG 2024 Paper Leak Case, online exams reduce the chance of physical leaks. The Centre cited several challenges:

• Infrastructure Gaps: Conducting online exams at the scale of NEET (with over 21 lakh applicants) requires significant upgrades in exam center infrastructure.
  
  
• Digital Divide: Many rural students lack access to digital devices or reliable internet, raising concerns about fairness.
  
  
• Security Risks: Online platforms are vulnerable to cyber threats like hacking and remote access cheating.
  
  
• Operational Feasibility: NEET is conducted in a single shift; replicating this scale digitally is complex and resource-intensive.
  
  

The Centre stated that a shift of the NEET exam in online mode may be considered in the long term but not until all logistical and security concerns are addressed.

 

What This Means for NEET UG Aspirants

The reforms are expected to take effect starting with NEET UG 2025. Students can expect the following:

• Offline (pen-and-paper) format to continue
  
  
• Stronger verification at entry points through biometrics
  
  
• Increased surveillance via live CCTV monitoring
  
  
• Secure paper handling, with encrypted digital transmission
  
  
• Post-exam analytics to detect irregularities
  
  
• Strict accountability for exam staff and centers
  
  

These changes aim to rebuild trust in the examination system without introducing sudden structural changes that may disadvantage under-resourced candidates.

Reactions from Students and Experts

• Urban students and coaching institutes have expressed disappointment over the decision to postpone online testing, arguing it could improve fairness and reduce human errors.
  
  
• However, students from rural areas have broadly welcomed the decision to keep the exam offline, citing infrastructure concerns and a lack of digital literacy.
  
  
• Education experts support a gradual transition, recommending pilot tests or optional online modules to prepare the system for a future shift.
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Will NEET UG 2025 be conducted online?
No. The exam will continue in pen-and-paper format as the NEET exam in online mode has been deferred.

Q2. What changes will be implemented in NEET UG 2025?
Biometric verification, secure paper transmission, CCTV monitoring, and post-exam forensic analysis will be introduced.

Q3. Is the Supreme Court satisfied with the Centre's plan?
Yes. After reviewing the government’s compliance report and assurances, the court closed the matter.

Q4. Will NTA continue to conduct NEET?
Yes. However, it will be under increased oversight with stricter protocols.

Q5. Will there be another hearing if another issue arises?
Fresh petitions can be filed if any future irregularities occur. For now,  the case is officially closed. 

 

The NEET UG 2024 paper leak case highlighted vulnerabilities in one of India’s most critical entrance exams. While the decision to retain the offline format may seem conservative, the Centre’s acceptance of six comprehensive reforms signals a serious intent to strengthen the integrity and transparency of the examination system.

For aspirants, the message is clear: NEET UG 2025 will be more secure, closely monitored, and accountable. While the NEET exam in online mode is off the table for now, systemic reform is underway, and that’s a move in the right direction.

Also Read NEET 2025 Registrations Drop as 23 Lakh Apply: Know Marks vs. Rank