NEET-UG may shift to computer-based format amid irregularities

New Delhi, July 9: The Centre is contemplating moving NEET-UG, the national eligibility-cum-entrance test for undergraduate medical studies, to a computer-based format similar to JEE-Mains for engineering studies in the coming years. This consideration follows reports of irregularities in this year's test, which are currently under review by the Supreme Court.

"The idea has been discussed within the concerned committee responsible for implementing relevant changes, but no formal directive has been issued yet. The recent controversies surrounding competitive examinations, including NEET-UG, have fueled the thought that these exams should go online," said a central government official who requested anonymity.

A second official highlighted the challenges of this transition, noting that around 2.3 million students appeared for NEET-UG in 2024. "There are approximately 4,000 centres across the country where the test is held, and equipping all of them with computers and the necessary infrastructure will be challenging. However, conducting these exams online like JEE-Mains is undeniably a good idea."

Currently, NEET-UG is conducted offline, with students solving multiple-choice questions on an OMR sheet. A shift to a computer-based test would require aspirants to use a computer to take the test and mark answers on a digital answer sheet.

In 2024, 1.4 million students appeared for JEE-Mains, which was conducted across 570 centres.

Dr. MC Misra, former director at AIIMS, Delhi, supports the move towards computer-based exams. "Taking this test online is the only way to address the existing loopholes. There is no point in continuing with the offline mode when the whole world is moving towards computer-based exams. However, conducting an exam of this scale won't be easy, so they will need to work out the logistics better, such as conducting the exam in phases like they do for IITs and having regional question papers," he said.