Delhi High Court Directs NTA to Simplify NEET Biometric Verification

Quick Summary

• The Delhi High Court has directed the National testing Agency (NTA) to streamline biometric verification processes for NEET examinations.
• A bench led by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Sachin Dutta recommended constituting a Grievance Redressal Framework for resolving candidate complaints in a time-bound manner.
• The court set aside an earlier single judge Bench order granting ‘grace marks’ to two candidates who reported delays during NEET (UG) 2025 due to biometric issues.
• The candidates claimed disturbances and time loss directly resulted from failures in biometric verification procedures on exam day, including repetition of Aadhaar authentication and submission of forms during the test period.
• NTA contested the claims, stating candidates arrived close to the outer deadline for entry as per instructions on admit cards, which contributed to disruptions.
• The High Court observed that extending marks improvisation for such delays would lead to systemic misuse and open floodgates for claims based on minor technical delays.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Delhi high Court’s decision emphasizes procedural integrity in high-stakes exams like NEET while pointing out risks associated with ad hoc solutions such as awarding grace marks without standardization. By recommending a dedicated grievance Redressal Framework, the court underscores the need for timely resolution mechanisms within education systems without compromising fairness or encouraging exploitation of loopholes.

This ruling may push NTA toward implementing more robust examination protocols, focusing not only on avoiding technical glitches but also providing avenues for credible accountability. Given India’s competitive education landscape, safeguarding fairness while improving operational efficiency is pivotal. How these reforms are executed could set precedents affecting wider examination systems across India.

Read More: Delhi HC seeks NTA’s response on plea alleging defective biometric system

!Candidates wait for biometric attendance at a NEET exam centre in Tamil Nadu.File | Photo Credit: The Hindu