NEET UG 2027 in pen-and-paper mode? What Nilekani panel's tenure extention may be hinting at

As per centre's announcement following the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) paper leak earlier this year, the exam is supposed to be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode, replacing the traditional pen-and-paper format. The decision came after the NEET paper leak controversy and subsequent protests, which prompted the government to initiate a review of the examination system.

However, speculations are being made that it will be held in pen and paper mode in 2027, as the transition to online format could take time. This comes amid the Centre's decision to extend the tenure of the high-powered task force headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani until January 2027 to submit its recommendations on examination reforms. By the time the panel submits its recommendation in January, there may be insufficient time to make necessary arrangements to conduct NEET UG 2027 in CBT mode in May 2027.

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The task force was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi a day after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister following student protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on July 25. The six-member panel, constituted in July, has received more than 50,000 suggestions from students, parents, teachers and other stakeholders on measures to make the examination system more secure and prevent paper leaks.

NEET 2027 in CBT mode or not? 

The Centre announced that NEET would be conducted in Computer Based Test mode from 2027. The Radhakrishnan Committee, constituted by the Centre after the 2024 NEET paper leak, had also recommended conducting the medical entrance examination in phases and introducing a computer-based or hybrid format instead of relying entirely on pen-and-paper tests. Therefore, as of now, there is no clarity on the mode of NEET UG exam. Candidates are advised to keep an eye on NTA's official website for latest update on exam mode and date.

NEET Exam Reforms: Nilekani-led panel receives over 50,000 suggestions

The six-member task force headed by Nandan Nilekani has received more than 50,000 suggestions from students, parents, teachers, academic institutions, subject matter experts, industry organisations and examination-conducting bodies. The panel has time until January 2027 to submit its report on reforms aimed at making the examination system leakproof.

Stakeholder consultations are currently underway, and the panel has also consulted former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan, who headed the committee formed following the 2024 NEET paper leak. The government has submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court outlining the progress made by the task force. 

Apart from Nandan Nilekani, the panel includes former ISRO chairman S Somanath, former Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, IIT Madras director V Kamakoti, former education secretary Anita Karwal and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena. The task force was constituted to recommend measures to strengthen the examination system and prevent paper leaks. Its recommendations are expected to cover reforms aimed at improving the security and conduct of examinations.

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NEET UG 2026 May 3 examination was cancelled following allegations of a question paper leak, triggering widespread protests by students and raising concerns over the integrity of the national medical entrance test. The National Testing Agency (NTA) announced a re-examination, which was conducted on June 21, 2026. Over 22 lakh appeared in the May 3 exam while re-NEET saw participation of over 20 lakh.

(With PTI inputs)