NEET UG shift to CBT under ‘active consideration’ but final call only after expert panel report: Centre to SC

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that shifting the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) to a computer-based format is under active consideration, but a final decision will be taken only after recommendations from a high-level expert panel and consultations with stakeholders.

In an affidavit filed before the apex court, the union government said NEET continues to be conducted in pen-and-paper mode because of its large scale and the need to ensure inclusivity for candidates across the country. It further stated that a gradual shift to Computer-Based Tests (CBT), similar to the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), is also being considered.

The proposal to shift NEET to a computer-based format has been under consideration since the alleged paper leak controversy.

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NEET Exam: CBT decision after expert panel report

"The migration of NEET to computer-based testing is presently under active consideration," the Centre said, adding that the final decision would be taken after considering the recommendations of the high-level task force, consulting stakeholders, and giving adequate notice to candidates.

The affidavit was filed in response to petitions seeking structural reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) following the controversy surrounding NEET-UG 2026. The Supreme Court had earlier directed the Centre to explain the measures being taken to institutionalise reforms in the conduct of NEET examinations and prevent future lapses.

The Centre informed the Supreme Court that it has introduced two key measures to strengthen the examination system. One of them is the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Act, 2026, which prescribes stricter punishment for offences such as question paper leaks, impersonation, and tampering with computer networks.

The government also said it has constituted a high-powered task force headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to recommend end-to-end reforms in the conduct of public examinations. The panel has been tasked with suggesting measures to make the examination process more secure, transparent and efficient.

According to the affidavit, the task force also includes former ISRO chairman S Somanath, former Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, IIT Madras director V Kamakoti, former School Education Secretary Anita Karwal, and former Bihar Chief Secretary Amit Lal Meena. The panel has been asked to submit its recommendations within three months.

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NEET UG: Multi-layered security system

The government further said that a comprehensive multi-layered security framework has been implemented under the guidance of a high-level committee headed by former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan. The security mechanism covers every stage of the examination process — from setting question papers to handing them over to candidates and declaring results. However, it told the court that detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) cannot be disclosed due to confidentiality concerns.

The Centre stated that question papers are prepared by subject experts brought together at a secured location under complete isolation as part of the strengthened security protocol.