The controversy surrounding the NEET UG 2026 paper leak has again reached the doors of the Supreme Court (SC), as two fresh petitions have been filed in connection with the scandal on Thursday. The apex court will hear the matter on May 29, as two prominent doctors’ organisations, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) and the United Doctors Front (UDF) have resorted to legal discourse against the exam-conducting body, National Testing Agency (NTA). 

The petitions have demanded the dissolution of the NTA over alleged systemic failures.

Petitioners demand structural overhaul

The petitions allege that the NTA has repeatedly failed to ensure a secure and transparent examination system, particularly in light of recurring allegations of paper leaks and procedural lapses linked to the NEET UG exams held in 2024 and 2026.

It was further alleged that the credibility of the examination process has been dented severely, leaving lakhs of medical aspirants anxious and uncertain about their future. The associations have pleaded to the top court to dissolve the NTA and replace it with an independent and accountable body capable of conducting high-stakes pan-India exams in a fair manner. 

Additionally, the petitioners have also demanded a court-monitored CBI probe into the alleged paper leak cases and other irregularities associated with the exam. 

Demands raised for close monitoring of NEET re-test

The petitions have also sought judicial oversight of the NEET UG 2026 re-test slated for June 21. The organisations contended that repeated controversies surrounding the exam have deeply shaken the confidence of the people in the system and have also triggered immense psychological stress among students, as well as their family members. 

SC’s earlier observations

Notably, during the previous hearing, the Apex Court had expressed serious concern over the functioning of the NTA. The bench hearing the case rebuked the agency for ‘not learning any lessons since 2024,’ despite widespread criticism and earlier allegations relating to paper leaks. 

The court also noted that it was ‘sad’ that the agency appeared to be repeating the same mistakes, even after the controversies that had emerged in the previous examination cycle.

Towards the end of the hearing, the SC granted time to the NTA, the Union Government and the CBI till May 29 to submit their responses to the allegations raised in the petitions.