NEET-UG online shift in focus as Education Minister reviews exam security, CBT infrastructure

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi on Saturday reviewed preparations for upcoming national-level examinations with senior officials of the National Testing Agency (NTA), as the government works on strengthening the examination system and assessing the infrastructure needed for large-scale computer-based tests.

The review focused on examination security, timely communication, smooth conduct of tests and a seamless experience for students and aspirants. Joshi, in a post on X, stressed the need for better coordination across the examination ecosystem.

The meeting assumes significance as the Ministry works on a national Computer-Based Testing (CBT) infrastructure strategy amid discussions over a possible transition of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) from pen-and-paper to computer-based testing.

Under the proposed strategy, the government plans to expand the availability of examination centres, standardise infrastructure and build a network capable of handling large national-level entrance examinations across the country.

A senior Ministry official had earlier said the proposed framework aims to “close the geographic gap” in the availability of test centres and establish uniform examination-grade specifications. The model could draw on multiple sources of infrastructure to meet the requirements of high-volume examinations.

NEET-UG is currently conducted in pen-and-paper mode using Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets. Any move to CBT would therefore involve a major logistical transition, particularly for an examination that attracts nearly 25 lakh candidates each year.

The government is also examining issues beyond the availability of computers. The transition would require sufficient examination centres, standardised equipment, reliable connectivity, power backup and robust security systems to ensure comparable testing conditions across locations.

Candidate access is another key consideration, particularly for students in rural and remote areas, women candidates and those from districts where reliable internet and computer-based testing facilities remain limited.

A final decision on shifting NEET-UG to CBT is expected after the high-powered task force on examination reforms submits its recommendations. The broader reform exercise is examining the conduct, security, design and governance of public examinations, including those conducted by the NTA.

The NTA already conducts several major examinations in computer-based mode, including JEE-Main, CUET-UG, CUET-PG, UGC-NET and CSIR-UGC-NET. NEET-UG remains one of its largest examinations conducted in offline mode.

A separate meeting between the Education Minister and senior officials of the Department of Higher Education also reviewed key issues concerning the higher education sector, with the focus on innovation, adaptability and student-centric approaches.

The push to strengthen examination infrastructure comes against the backdrop of wider reforms initiated after the 2024 NEET-UG controversy. The Ministry’s earlier reform exercise had highlighted the need for stronger examination processes, data security and improvements in the functioning of the NTA.

For NEET-UG aspirants, however, the immediate question remains whether and when the country's biggest medical entrance examination will move online. Until a final decision is taken, the examination continues to be conducted in pen-and-paper mode.