NEW DELHI: A parliamentary committee has asked the Center to publish a time-bound roadmap for implementing the recommendations of the High Level Committee of Experts (HLCE) on examination reforms, noting that paper-related irregularities continue to persist despite measures taken after the NEET-UG 2024 controversy.
In a report tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, the ministry-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, headed by Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh, said examination irregularities continue to lead to cancellations and cause anxiety among students.
“The Committee notes the steps taken by the Ministry, including the formation of the Higher Steering Committee headed by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan to monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the HEC. But despite these measures, paper irregularities continue to occur, resulting in cancellation of examinations, causing a lot of anxiety among students.”
The committee recommended that the National Testing Agency (NTA) “publish a time-bound implementation roadmap for the HLCE recommendations as soon as possible”.
The Ministry of Education formed the HLCE in June 2024 after the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG exam. The committee submitted its report in October 2024, recommending reforms to national entrance exams, strengthening the NTA, and increasing coordination with states and cross-examinations. A high-level steering committee headed by former ISRO Chairman K. Radhakrishnan was subsequently set up to oversee the implementation.
The committee noted that “despite these measures, paper violations still occur.”
NEET-UG 2026 held on May 3 was canceled on May 12 following allegations of paper leakage, including alleged overlaps between the previously distributed guess paper and the actual paper. More than 2.27 million candidates have applied for the May 3 exam. The re-examination is scheduled for June 21.
