NEET UG 2025 Pattern: RTI activist raises objections to age limits, exam format; writes letter to NTA

NEW DELHI: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that potential modifications to the NEET UG 2025 exam pattern are currently being evaluated by a Supreme Court-appointed high-powered expert committee. This update came in response to an RTI request from activist Vivek Pandey, who sought details about meetings held in July and August 2024, where possible changes to the NEET 2025 exam pattern were discussed.

The NTA's reply to RTI read, “The reply of the CPIO is adequate, the information as asked by you is not available and hence not furnished. Further, on the directions of the Honorable Supreme Court of India, the Government has constituted a High-Powered Expert Committee whose report is still awaited.”

In a letter addressed to the National Testing Agency (NTA), Pandey argued that the proposed NEET UG age and attempt restrictions would disproportionately impact students from economically weaker backgrounds. According to him, many students from underprivileged sections require additional time and resources to prepare for this highly competitive exam.

NEET UG 2025: Concerns on age and attempt limits

In the letter to NTA, Vivek mentioned that imposing limits on age or the number of attempts would add unnecessary pressure, potentially leading students toward costly coaching options and creating further mental stress.

Pandey referenced a National Medical Commission (NMC) directive, which previously removed age restrictions to make medical education more accessible. He expressed that reintroducing such limitations would counteract the intent of the NMC, potentially restricting equal access to the field of medicine.

NEET UG 2025 Pattern: Opposing to multi-session, online exam format

Pandey also criticized the move towards a multi-session online format, citing concerns over fairness and consistency. Conducting NEET in multiple sessions would necessitate score normalization, which, although designed to balance difficulty levels across sessions, may fail to fully account for the different conditions and experiences candidates encounter. This, he argued, could result in unfair ranking disparities.

Also read NEET UG 2025: Will NTA remove optional questions in NEET too? Expert panel to suggest reforms soon

Emphasis on “One nation, One exam” principle

Pandey emphasized the Supreme Court's 2017 ruling that underscored the importance of a unified “One Nation, One Exam” principle. The letter read, “In light of the National Medical Commission (NMC) order NMC Circular No. MCI-34(41)/2018- Med/170045, which removed age restrictions for NEET, imposing these limits now would counter the intent of the NMC to make medical education accessible to all deserving students, arespective of age. I urge the NTA to honor this order, ensuring equal opportunity for aspirants”

NEET UG 2025: Proposal for a two-stage exam format

To address the growing number of applicants while maintaining a fair assessment, Pandey proposed an alternative two-stage examination model, similar to the structure of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for engineering.

• Preliminary Exam (NEET Pre): This initial screening would assess fundamental knowledge, narrowing down the number of candidates who proceed to the main exam.
• NEET Mains: This final examination would be conducted as a single-session, paper-based test to ensure uniformity, fairness, and adherence to the Supreme Court's guidelines.

NEET UG 2024 controversy

The NEET UG 2024 exam has been surrounded by controversy due to several factors, including unusual high scores, compensatory marks, and allegations of unfair practices. After NEET UG 2024 results were declared in June, it was noted that a record 67 students scored a perfect 720/720, far more than usual. Additionally, several candidates scored 718 and 719, which led to questions about whether such high scores were even possible.

The Supreme Court has directed the formation of a high-powered committee to address allegations of irregularities in the NEET UG 2024 exam. While the Court did not find any systemic breach in the exam, it has tasked the Committee with reviewing the examination process's integrity and recommending any necessary measures to improve its fairness and transparency.