In a landmark reform of the country’s medical entrance examination system, the Centre has decided to conduct the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG) entirely in computer-based mode from next year. The examination will be held over five to six days across nearly 1,000 centres in about 500 cities, marking the biggest structural change to the test since its introduction.
Under the new format, nearly five lakh candidates will appear for the examination each day. Most test centres will be located in government institutions, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, to ensure better infrastructure, tighter security and uniform conduct of the examination.
The move comes as part of the Centre’s broader efforts to strengthen the integrity of high-stakes entrance examinations following the controversies surrounding NEET-UG last year. By conducting the test over multiple days in a computer-based format, authorities aim to minimise the risk of question paper leaks, impersonation and other malpractices while improving the overall examination process.
Alongside the changes to NEET-UG, the Government is set to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the National Testing Agency (NTA), the autonomous body responsible for conducting major national entrance examinations, including NEET, JEE Main, CUET and UGC-NET.
According to officials, the revamp will cover every aspect of the agency’s functioning, including its organisational structure, technological infrastructure, examination processes, cybersecurity framework and operational protocols. The reforms are intended to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency in the conduct of large-scale competitive examinations.
The decision follows recommendations made by the high-level committee constituted by the Ministry of Education to review the examination system after concerns were raised over the credibility of national entrance tests. The committee had advocated the adoption of computer-based examinations, stronger digital security measures and modernised testing infrastructure to restore public confidence.
NEET-UG is India’s largest medical entrance examination, with more than 22 lakh candidates competing annually for admission to MBBS, BDS and other undergraduate medical programmes. Officials believe the transition to a multi-day computer-based test will not only improve security but also streamline logistics, reduce administrative pressure and enable more effective monitoring of examination centres across the country.
The Government is expected to issue detailed guidelines on the revised examination pattern, scheduling and centre allocation in the coming months.
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