The Ministry of Education has embarked on a thorough review to determine the feasibility of transitioning the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Undergraduate courses (NEET-UG) to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format. This initiative seeks to understand how moving away from the conventional pen-and-paper method might influence student performance and overall access to the examination.
Both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have engaged in multiple discussions regarding the exam’s format, but a definitive decision has yet to be announced.
A senior official elaborated, “Our primary concern is to ascertain if a CBT mode for NEET would inadvertently put certain student groups at a disadvantage. The ongoing analysis also scrutinizes the existing examination infrastructure and evaluates feedback from previous online tests. Once these findings are compiled, we will hold further consultations with the Health Ministry.”
Overview of the NEET-UG Exam
NEET stands as India’s most extensive medical entrance examination, drawing over 2.2 million candidates in 2025. Administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), it serves as the crucial entry point for admissions to a wide array of medical and allied health programs, including Medicine (MBBS), Dentistry (BDS), Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha.
Nationally, there are approximately 108,000 MBBS seats, with government medical colleges accounting for about 56,000 and private institutions offering 52,000. Beyond MBBS, NEET scores are also instrumental for admissions to various other undergraduate medical and allied healthcare programs.
A Renewed Push for Reform and Exam Security
The concept of an online NEET exam is not novel, having been deliberated in prior years. However, the latest impetus for this change stems directly from last year’s significant paper leak scandal, which compelled the Union Government to prioritize and reinforce examination security protocols.
In response to the reported irregularities in both NEET and the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) last year, the Centre convened a high-level panel in July 2024. This panel’s mandate is to guarantee the equitable, transparent, and secure administration of all major examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency.
The panel, under the leadership of former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief Dr. R Radhakrishnan, has put forth a recommendation to explore multi-stage testing as a potential reform for NEET-UG, aiming for greater flexibility and integrity.
While NEET has been under intense scrutiny due to alleged leaks, the UGC-NET faced cancellation last year after evidence indicated its integrity had been compromised. Both significant cases are presently being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).