The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has filed a detailed response before the Supreme Court challenging the adequacy of measures outlined by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in its compliance affidavit on examination reforms, arguing that several recommendations of the K. Radhakrishnan Committee have either not been implemented or have not been adequately explained.

At the outset, FAIMA questioned why the Union has constituted a new High-Powered Task Force under the chairmanship of Nandan Nilekani, when there is already a High-Level Committee of Experts(HLCE) headed by Dr K. Radhakrishnan. It has been stated that the Centre has not provided any reasoning why the recommendations of the earlier committee have not been followed in letter and spirit.

"The said reasoning is important since the students cannot afford to have repeated instances of paper leaks and see a new committee been formed after each year, without the recommendations of that Committee being executed fully by the authorities."

FAIMA has pointed out that Dr Radhakrishnan's committee has a broad mandate including reforms within the examination process, structure and functioning of the National Testing Agency(NTA), and improvement in data security protocol. These mandates were further expanded by the Supreme Court in the wake of the NEET UG 2024 paper leak.

The committee submitted a detailed report on October 28, 2024, suggesting 101 recommendations. However, the recommendations were not followed, and the paper leaks continued, the FAIMA argues.

For instance, it has been pointed out through a comparative chart by FAIMA that the Dr Radhakrishnan Committee advised transitioning to a computer-based test, as Pen-and-Paper tests have more vulnerabilities due to various layers such as printing, packaging and transporting. However, NTA has not implemented this suggestion despite the fact that it conducts examinations for IITs in the CBT mode.

The committee had also pointed out that the traditional process of printing, transportation, storage and handling of multiple question paper sets is "one of the weakest links in the supply chain". It recommended that utilising private printing presses will involve engagement with third-party agencies and also result in huge expenses.

Therefore, it was recommended to follow CBT, where encrypted papers are sent digitally and printed locally at the testing centres before the exam. FAIMA says the NTA has skipped this crucial recommendation in its affidavit.

Further, the committee had pointed out that solely relying on AI or machine learning for translation is "not completely feasible". NTA, in its affidavit, stated that AI is used for translation and thereafter thoroughly verified by human translators. The committee stated that, unlike question paper setters and vetters, the NTA failed to place on record any requirement for translators to exclude mandatory Non-Disclosure Agreements.

Further, FAIMA adds that the committee recommended that there should be officer/staff wise chain of custody during the transportation of the papers so that when there is a mishap, accountability may be fixed. However, the NTA's affidavit doesn't place on record an officer-wise chain of custody.

The suggestions have been filed through Advocate Tanvi Dubey, representing the petitioners, in response to the recent affidavit filed by the NTA.

Flaws in legislation preventing paper leak

FAIMA, in its affidavit, has pointed out that though the Union government has brought amendments through the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Act, 2026 to carry out time-bound investigation in cases of paper leaks, it fails to ensure accountability within the NTA.

For instance, FAIMA has submitted that Section 10 of the Act provides for the punishment of a category of persons who may be involved in paper leaks, but it does specifically provide for the liability for certain categories of persons, including paper setters, paper vetters, and other authorised personnel who have material access to the paper-setting process.

"In the humble submission of the Petitioner, the Act must specifically address an eventuality where person including paper setters, paper vetter's and other authorised personnel misuses that access by copying, sharing, transmitting or disclosing the material to an unauthorised person."

Further, it has been stated that since such a person has been entrusted with extremely confidential material and has abused a position of trust, the law must treat such conduct as an "aggravated offence" carrying stricter punishment. However, the 2026 amendment Act doesn't consider this aspect.

FAIMA seeks stronger safeguards at examination centres

The association also flagged what it described as gaps in the selection of examination centres and allocation of seats.

FAIMA said the Radhakrishnan Committee had recommended selection of centres based on local checks, avoidance of centres previously linked to cheating or leaks, randomisation of seating and teachers, and accessibility for students and inspection teams. According to FAIMA, the NTA affidavit does not fully address these recommendations.

It further highlighted recommendations for greater involvement of State Governments, live CCTV monitoring at national, state and ministry control centres, professional frisking, verification of candidates' identification and continuous CCTV coverage throughout the examination.

The association cited recommendations that used and unused OMR sheets and question papers should be reconciled after the examination, with tamper-proof sealing and documented confirmation involving the centre in-charge, NTA Presiding Officer and Test Indenting Agency representative.

On results, FAIMA pointed to the recommendation that OMR sheets should be scanned promptly and uploaded on the NTA website, allowing candidates to download their OMR images within a specified timeframe.

FAIMA has raised a specific concern over what happens to misprinted or discarded question papers. According to the response, the Radhakrishnan Committee had recommended that misprinted copies be secured and destroyed by NTA itself. FAIMA alleged that NTA's affidavit is silent on an auditing and destruction protocol for such papers.

The association argued that without direct NTA-controlled destruction of examination waste, other security measures such as CCTV surveillance and armed security could leave a critical vulnerability in the system.

From today's hearing - NEET-UG : Supreme Court Scrutinises NTA Capacity, Says Dedicated & Scientifically Equipped Body Like UPSC Needed