NEET-UG may move online as Education Ministry works on national CBT infrastructure
The Ministry of Education is working on a nationwide, exam-grade Computer-Based Testing (CBT) infrastructure strategy that could enable NEET-UG to shift from its existing pen-and-paper format to an online examination, officials said.
The proposed framework is aimed at expanding access to suitable test centres, standardising examination infrastructure and reducing geographical gaps in CBT availability. Officials said the plan is being considered through a multi-model sourcing approach.
However, a final decision on moving NEET-UG to CBT is yet to be taken. The Centre is awaiting recommendations from the high-powered task force on examination reforms headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani. The panel is examining issues including exam security, technology, infrastructure, accessibility and inclusion.
The transition would require more than simply shifting the question paper to computers. Authorities are assessing test-centre readiness, connectivity and the possible impact on candidates in rural and low-connectivity areas, as well as women candidates.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) already conducts several major examinations, including JEE-Main, CUET-UG, CUET-PG, UGC-NET and CSIR-UGC NET, in CBT mode. The proposed national infrastructure could eventually facilitate the migration of other entrance examinations from pen-and-paper to computer-based testing as well.
NEET-UG remains the country’s largest undergraduate medical entrance examination, with around 25 lakh candidates appearing each year. The exam is used for admission to MBBS courses as well as undergraduate dental, Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha programmes.
Fresh update: NTA Director General Abhishek Singh said earlier this month that NEET would move to CBT “very soon” and that the transition would require expanded testing infrastructure and additional safeguards.
The NTA is also currently seeking experts for question-setting, review, moderation and translation as part of changes to its examination processes. The agency has an active CBT tender as well as separate tenders covering NEET frisking, CCTV and face authentication systems.
with inputs from PTI
