In a significant development concerning the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG), the Indian government has informed the Supreme Court that it is actively considering a shift to a two-stage examination format for medical admissions. This proposed change would bring NEET (UG) in line with the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for engineering courses, which currently operates with multiple stages.
Considering a Computer-Based Format
The Centre's affidavit, submitted during hearings on petitions seeking comprehensive reforms for the National Testing Agency (NTA), also revealed that a transition from the current pen-and-paper mode to a computer-based examination (CBT) for NEET (UG) is under active consideration. This move is part of a broader overhaul aimed at enhancing the integrity and security of national entrance exams, following concerns over previous paper leaks.
The government highlighted that seven out of eight major examinations conducted by the NTA, including JEE (Main) and CUET, have already transitioned to multi-session, multi-day computer-based testing. NEET (UG) remains the sole major exam still administered in the traditional pen-and-paper format.
High-Powered Task Force to Guide Reforms
A High-Powered Task Force, chaired by Nandan Nilekani, has been constituted to provide recommendations on the mode and design of NEET (UG). This task force, announced by the Prime Minister after student protests regarding paper leaks, includes a distinguished panel of experts:
- S. Somanath, former ISRO chairman
- Tapan Deka, former Intelligence Bureau Director
- V. Kamakoti, IIT Madras Director
- Anita Karwal, former School Education Secretary
- Amit Lal Meena, former Bihar Chief Secretary
The task force is mandated to review and guide reforms across technological, security, equity, infrastructure, and pedagogic aspects of the transition. They are expected to submit their report within three months.
Strengthening Anti-Malpractice Measures
Beyond structural exam changes, the government has also implemented stricter legal frameworks to combat malpractices. The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Act, 2026, has been introduced, strengthening punishments and establishing provisions for fast-track courts to address issues such as paper leaks and impersonation.
The Centre emphasized NEET's unique characteristics, noting its immense scale with over 22 lakh registered candidates, a significant majority of whom hail from rural areas and are women. The exam serves as the gateway for various medical and allied courses, including MBBS, Dental, Ayush, Veterinary, and Nursing.