NEET 2027 in Online Mode: Centre preparing CBT infrastructure strategy for future exams

Following the NTA NEET paper leak incident, the education ministry is developing a strategy for computer-based test (CBT) infrastructure, ensuring a seamless transition for the pen-and-paper-based national-level NEET entrance exam to online mode.

Earlier this year, the Centre announced that NEET 2027 will be conducted in CBT mode from next year. In July, some reports also suggested that NTA may conduct NEET in online mode, held over 5-6 days.

Moreover, officials aware of the development said that while the plan is under consideration, a final decision will be made only after receiving the report from the Nandan Nilekani-led task force set up to overhaul India's public examination systems.

Nilekani-led high-level task force also consulted former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan , who headed a panel set up by the Centre following the NEET 2024 paper leak.

NTA exams in CBT mode

Till this year, NEET has been conducted in pen-and-paper mode; however, the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts several other national-level competitive exams, including the engineering entrance Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains, the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) undergraduate and postgraduate, and UGC-NET and CSIR UGC-NET, as computer-based tests.

"A national examination-grade Computer-Based Testing infrastructure strategy is being formulated to close the geographic gap in test-centre availability, standardise centre-level examination-grade specifications and to permit the migration to CBT from the pen-and-paper mode examinations. The strategy is under active consideration based on a multi-model sourcing architecture," a senior education ministry official said.

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NTA overhaul, paper leak protest

According to the official, the transition of NEET UG to CBT, including the design of the transition, sequencing, infrastructure prerequisites, and equity implications for rural, women, and low-connectivity-district candidates, is being worked upon. However, the suggestions of the task force on exam reforms are under consultation and concurrence of the health ministry and the National Medical Commission (NMC). The move comes amid the ongoing overhaul of NTA.

After allegations of a NEET paper leak, nationwide student protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demanded the resignation of then Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan . After the controversy, the Centre appointed Pralhad Joshi as education minister.

Also read 'Three Attempts, Two Leaks': NEET aspirants open up on repeated uncertainty

NEET: Medical entrance exam

The National Eligibility Entrance Test - Undergraduate (NEET UG) is the country's largest undergraduate entrance exam, with nearly 25 lakh candidates appearing for the entrance test. NTA conducts NEET every year for admission into medical colleges.

More than 1 lakh seats are available across private and government medical colleges for MBBS admissions. The push for reforms in the education system and NTA overhaul came after the paper leak controversy. With inputs from PTI