‘NTA has not learnt its lesson yet’: SC issues notice to Education Ministry, NTA; to hear matter on May 29

The Supreme Court of India has issued notices to the Ministry of Education and the National Testing Agency (NTA) on a petition filed by the United Doctors Front (UDF) and Federation of Indian Medical Association (FAIMA), which raised concerns over the functioning of the testing agency and the conduct of national-level examinations. While hearing, the apex court reportedly expressed concern over recurring issues related to exam management despite controversies witnessed in 2024. According to UDF, the court orally remarked that it was “disappointing” that such issues were persisting despite the controversies seen last year. NEET UG fee refund live updates.

The court directed the Ministry of Education and NTA to file their replies within three days. They have also been asked for an affidavit regarding the recommendations of the Radhakrishnan Committee and the action taken on them. Court will now hear the matter on Friday. The court also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to appear in the case.

Advocate of petitioner, Tanvi Dubey told PTI, "Today, the matter was heard primarily on behalf of the FAIMA, and I appeared in the case. The main argument put forth was that around 23 lakh students had appeared for this examination, and the exam was cancelled in view of the paper leak. Detailed directions had already been issued by the Supreme Court, and a committee had also been constituted. The committee submitted its recommendations as well."

She added, "Today, taking all of this into consideration, the Supreme Court issued notices to the NTA and the Ministry of Education and listed the matter for hearing again on Friday. The Supreme Court also stated that they should file an affidavit regarding compliance with the committee’s guidelines and the directions previously issued by the Court in the matter of Vanchika Yadav."

UDF welcomes accountability push

Reacting to the proceedings, UDF chairperson Lakshya Mittal said the hearing marked 'an important step towards accountability and transparency in the examination system'. “The observations made by the Hon’ble Supreme Court clearly reflect the gravity of the concerns affecting crores of students across the country,” Mittal said in a statement. The petition comes amid continued scrutiny of the NTA over the conduct of entrance examinations following controversies surrounding alleged irregularities and paper leak claims in 2024.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court issued a notice in the matter and orally observed that “NTA has not learnt its lesson yet”. The matter will now be heard on May 29.