Delhi High Court Directs NTA to Form Grievance Panel for NEET Technical Issues

Fast Summary

• Delhi High Court Direction: The Delhi High court has instructed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to establish a standing grievance redressal committee for handling complaints from NEET exam candidates affected by technical issues or loss of examination time due to reasons beyond their control.
• Court Observation: It emphasized that constitutional courts should not review CCTV footage for each case and recommended evaluations by expert bodies transparently and fairly.
• Background Case: The directive was issued following a plea concerning NEET (UG) 2025, where a candidate alleged loss of exam time and mental distress resulting from biometric verification irregularities at the test center in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
• Specific Incident: According to the plea:

– Biometric malfunction delayed entry into the examination hall.
– The candidate was granted access only five minutes before exam start time.
– Requests were made for compensatory marks and CCTV footage preservation.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Delhi High Court’s ruling reflects concerns around fairness in high-stakes exams like NEET, which affect students’ career trajectories profoundly. By mandating a dedicated grievance redressal committee within NTA, the court aims to ensure that candidates facing technical setbacks have access to impartial resolutions without overburdening judiciary resources.

This move could enhance trust in standardized testing procedures by establishing clearer accountability mechanisms during examinations. However,accomplished implementation will depend on whether such committees are equipped with adequate expertise and authority to address grievances effectively. Fair practices during crucial exams like NEET are essential as India seeks greater equity in competitive education frameworks.

Link for more details: The Hindu