NTA asks AICTE to identify government institutions for NEET-UG computer-based testing

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has begun assessing government institutions across the country to establish a network of computer-based testing centers for NEET-UG from next year.

As part of the exercise, the NTA has asked the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to gather information on available IT infrastructure and vacant space at government-run technical and higher education institutions.

The AICTE subsequently contacted vice chancellors of state-run technical universities, along with directors and principals of AICTE-approved government institutions, earlier this week seeking the required details.

The move follows the government's decision to shift NEET-UG from the existing pen-and-paper format to computer-based testing from next year. The transition is part of a broader overhaul of the NTA following the paper leak controversy surrounding the medical entrance examination.

An official order shows that the NTA wrote to the AICTE on August 5, seeking information on computing facilities and available space at government institutions that could potentially be developed into Standard Testing Centres for entrance examinations.

“NTA conducts various national level examinations in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. With the progressive migration of examinations mode and the requirement for a wider geographically distributed network of testing centres, NTA is assessing the availability of suitable infrastructure in Government institutions across the country,” the AICTE said in its communication to the heads of state-run institutions.

The infrastructure assessment covers AICTE-approved government institutions, including engineering colleges, polytechnic institutes, government university departments and state-run technical and management institutions.

Institutions have been asked to provide information on the number of functional computers and computer systems, IT infrastructure, networking and internet connectivity. They must also report the availability of power backup, CCTV systems and other related facilities, along with details of vacant space.

The AICTE has provided institutions with a prescribed format for submitting the information.

“The information is required only in respect of government colleges/institutions approved by AICTE. Institutions are requested to ensure that the information furnished is accurate, complete and duly verified by the competent authority of the institution,” it said.

Institutions have been directed to submit the requested information to the AICTE by Sept 15.

The infrastructure exercise comes after the cancellation of the NEET-UG examination held on May 3 following the paper leak controversy. Around 22 lakh candidates had appeared for the examination, with the issue triggering protests and subsequent changes in the examination system.