After the 2024 NEET-UG paper leak scandal, two high-level panels; one led by Radhakrishnan, another by Nandan Nilekani; gave detailed reform plans. Yet, months later, nothing’s been officially implemented. The Court isn’t just asking for updates; it’s demanding timelines. Why? Because exams like NEET aren’t just tests. They’re life-changing events for millions. And when systems fail, trust collapses. The Court warned: ‘Institutionalising’ reforms is key; not ad-hoc fixes. Without it, even the best security (like GPS-tracked question papers or CCTV-monitored printing) can be bypassed. The bigger lesson? India's exam system needs more than tech upgrades; it needs permanence, memory, expertise; like UPSC has built over decades. If the NTA doesn’t evolve into a ‘vibrant institution’, the next scandal won’t be a surprise; it’ll be inevitable.