The development comes after the NTA informed the apex court that it had implemented extensive security and structural reforms following the paper leak controversy that led to the cancellation of the May 3 NEET UG 2026 exam. In an affidavit, the agency said the decision to cancel the test was taken to protect students’ interests and preserve public confidence in the examination system.

The NTA said a High-Powered Steering Committee had recommended stricter safeguards, including mandatory CCTV checks, 90-day footage preservation, mock drills, weather contingency plans, power backup verification and emergency medical facilities. The agency also plans post-exam forensic analysis of CCTV footage to detect irregularities.

Additionally, it has restructured its organisation by creating 16 senior posts and appointing two Additional Director Generals to oversee technology and test security. More than 22 lakh candidates had appeared for the exam across 5,432 centres in 552 Indian cities and 14 overseas locations before it was cancelled over alleged paper leaks.

NEET-UG, India’s largest medical entrance examination, is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate medical courses. The 2026 exam, held on May 3, was cancelled following allegations of a question paper leak, affecting over 22 lakh candidates who appeared at 5,432 centres across 552 cities in India and 14 overseas locations. The re-examination is scheduled for June 21. The NTA has introduced enhanced security measures and administrative reforms to prevent any recurrence of malpractice.