NEET-UG set to be conducted in computer-based test mode from 2027, NTA informs Supreme Court
In a major development, the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 29 told the Supreme Court that it is preparing to conduct the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Undergraduate courses (NEET-UG) in a computer-based test (CBT) mode from 2027
Coming amid a raging row over this year's paper leak incident, this will mark a significant shift in the format of one of India’s largest entrance examinations.
The submission was made before the apex court during hearings related to the conduct and reform of national-level examinations following controversies surrounding the medical entrance test in recent times.
The move is expected to transform the existing pen-and-paper examination system and bring NEET-UG in line with several other national entrance tests that are already conducted digitally, including JEE Main and CUET.
Also read | NGT seeks response from Centre, states regarding heatwave conditions across country
According to the NTA, preparations are underway to strengthen the technological and logistical framework required to conduct the examination in CBT mode across the country. The agency is understood to have informed the court that transitioning to a computer-based format would require large-scale infrastructure readiness, including the availability of adequate examination centres equipped with secure digital systems.
The proposed shift comes amid heightened scrutiny of the examination process after allegations of paper leaks, irregularities and concerns over the integrity of competitive exams triggered nationwide debate. The NEET-UG examination has been at the centre of controversy since last year, prompting judicial intervention and demands for systemic reforms in the conduct of entrance tests.
Government officials and education experts have argued that moving to a computer-based system could help reduce the risks associated with physical transportation of question papers and improve monitoring during examinations. Digital testing platforms are also seen as enabling better security protocols, encrypted question delivery systems and real-time surveillance.
However, concerns have also been raised over digital accessibility and infrastructure gaps, particularly in rural and remote areas where internet connectivity and computer access remain uneven. Officials have indicated that the transition would be implemented only after ensuring sufficient preparedness and equitable access for candidates across regions.
Also read | IndiGo to pass on ATF price hikes, to see if fuel hedging could be an option
NEET-UG is the gateway for admissions to undergraduate medical courses in government and private institutions across the country. The examination is among the largest entrance tests globally, with more than 20 lakh candidates appearing annually.
The scale of the examination has posed significant logistical challenges for authorities, especially after the expansion of medical education and rising competition for limited seats in top institutions.
The Centre and the NTA have faced sustained pressure to strengthen examination security after multiple incidents involving alleged malpractice in competitive tests. The government had earlier announced a series of reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in examination processes, including stricter protocols for test administration and stronger oversight mechanisms.
Education sector experts said the transition to CBT mode could also allow the agency to conduct examinations in multiple sessions, improve evaluation timelines and streamline result processing.
At the same time, student groups and coaching institutes are likely to closely monitor the implementation roadmap, as any shift in examination format could significantly alter preparation patterns and test-taking strategies.
The Supreme Court has been hearing a batch of petitions related to the conduct of NEET-UG and broader examination reforms amid concerns over fairness and transparency in national-level entrance tests.
Coming amid a raging row over this year's paper leak incident, this will mark a significant shift in the format of one of India’s largest entrance examinations.
The submission was made before the apex court during hearings related to the conduct and reform of national-level examinations following controversies surrounding the medical entrance test in recent times.
The move is expected to transform the existing pen-and-paper examination system and bring NEET-UG in line with several other national entrance tests that are already conducted digitally, including JEE Main and CUET.
Also read | NGT seeks response from Centre, states regarding heatwave conditions across country
According to the NTA, preparations are underway to strengthen the technological and logistical framework required to conduct the examination in CBT mode across the country. The agency is understood to have informed the court that transitioning to a computer-based format would require large-scale infrastructure readiness, including the availability of adequate examination centres equipped with secure digital systems.
The proposed shift comes amid heightened scrutiny of the examination process after allegations of paper leaks, irregularities and concerns over the integrity of competitive exams triggered nationwide debate. The NEET-UG examination has been at the centre of controversy since last year, prompting judicial intervention and demands for systemic reforms in the conduct of entrance tests.
Government officials and education experts have argued that moving to a computer-based system could help reduce the risks associated with physical transportation of question papers and improve monitoring during examinations. Digital testing platforms are also seen as enabling better security protocols, encrypted question delivery systems and real-time surveillance.
However, concerns have also been raised over digital accessibility and infrastructure gaps, particularly in rural and remote areas where internet connectivity and computer access remain uneven. Officials have indicated that the transition would be implemented only after ensuring sufficient preparedness and equitable access for candidates across regions.
Also read | IndiGo to pass on ATF price hikes, to see if fuel hedging could be an option
NEET-UG is the gateway for admissions to undergraduate medical courses in government and private institutions across the country. The examination is among the largest entrance tests globally, with more than 20 lakh candidates appearing annually.
The scale of the examination has posed significant logistical challenges for authorities, especially after the expansion of medical education and rising competition for limited seats in top institutions.
The Centre and the NTA have faced sustained pressure to strengthen examination security after multiple incidents involving alleged malpractice in competitive tests. The government had earlier announced a series of reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in examination processes, including stricter protocols for test administration and stronger oversight mechanisms.
Education sector experts said the transition to CBT mode could also allow the agency to conduct examinations in multiple sessions, improve evaluation timelines and streamline result processing.
At the same time, student groups and coaching institutes are likely to closely monitor the implementation roadmap, as any shift in examination format could significantly alter preparation patterns and test-taking strategies.
The Supreme Court has been hearing a batch of petitions related to the conduct of NEET-UG and broader examination reforms amid concerns over fairness and transparency in national-level entrance tests.
Next Story