NEW DELHI: The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG), which is India’s largest medical entrance exam, may undergo major reforms as the Centre is considering to introduce a JEE-style two-stage examination along with a shift to computer-based testing (CBT). The Centre informed the Supreme Court through an affidavit that the proposed NEET-UG reforms are still under consideration, and no final decision has been taken. The submission was made during the hearing of petitions seeking reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) after allegations of examination irregularities, including question paper leaks. The apex court is scheduled to hear the matter again on August 6. If implemented, these changes would mark one of the biggest overhauls of the NEET-UG exam pattern in recent years.
Two-Stage NEET-UG Model Under Review
According to the affidavit, the government is examining whether NEET-UG should continue as a single-stage examination or adopt a two-stage format similar to JEE Main and JEE Advanced. It is also being evaluated whether the NEET UG exam should move from the existing pen-and-paper mode to a computer-based format, a system already followed for several other national entrance examinations. The Centre clarified that these proposals are still under consideration and any decision will be taken only after a detailed assessment of their feasibility and impact on students.
High-Powered Task Force to Recommend Reforms
The government informed the court that the final roadmap for NEET reforms will be based on the recommendations of the High-Powered Task Force which is chaired by Nandan Nilekani. The committee was constituted in order to help recommend various solutions for strengthening the examination system after concerns over examination security and transparency erupted.
The task force includes experts from fields such as technology, academia, public administration, intelligence and space science. It has been asked to evaluate issues related to the exam security, technology adoption, infrastructure, accessibility, equity and academic standards before recommending any structural changes.
Why is NEET-UG different
The Centre told the Supreme Court that NEET-UG exam poses unique challenges due to its large scale and diverse candidate base. Every year, over 22 lakh students appear for the NEET-UG medical entrance exam, making it one of the largest competitive examinations in the world. A substantial number of aspirants come from rural and remote areas, while women constitute a significant share of the candidates.
The government said these factors make any change to the NEET-UG exam pattern, including a possible two-stage format or computer-based testing (CBT), more complex than other national entrance exams. It emphasised that any reform will be carefully planned to ensure fairness, accessibility, digital readiness and equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of their geographical or socio-economic background. Unlike many other entrance examinations, NEET-UG serves as the single gateway for admission to several undergraduate medical programmes, including MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, BSc Nursing and Veterinary Science courses across the country.
Most NTA Exams Already Computer-Based
The Centre also informed the Supreme Court that seven of the NTA’s eight major examinations are already conducted in computer-based mode with multiple sessions spread across different days like – JEE Main, CUET-UG, CUET-PG, UGC-NET and CSIR-NET. In contrast, NEET-UG remains the only major NTA examination that is still conducted using the traditional pen-and-paper format. This makes NEET UG a key focus area for potential reforms.
No Immediate Change in Exam Pattern
The government emphasised that no immediate change will be introduced in the examination pattern or mode. Since NEET-UG is conducted by the NTA on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and regulated by the National Medical Commission (NMC), any reform will require consultations with both authorities and will be implemented in accordance with the National Medical Commission Act, 2019.
The Centre also assured the Supreme Court that students will receive adequate advance notice before any changes are introduced. This will give aspirants sufficient time to prepare under the revised examination system.
