Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced on Friday a change that discussed for a long time. Starting next year, the NEET-UG exam, which is essential for undergraduate medical admissions in the country, will become a computer-based test (CBT).
India’s NEET-UG Exam Shifts to Computer-Based Format
This announcement comes after the NEET-UG exam, held on May 3 for over 22 lakh candidates canceled earlier this week. In a press conference, Pradhan mentioned that CBT is “a little more protected” compared to using OMR sheets.
Currently, NEET-UG is a pen-and-paper exam. We will explain the reasons for the shift to CBT and the challenges involved.
Why is this change now?
After a NEET-UG paper leak in 2024, the Centre formed a seven-member committee led by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan to suggest reforms for public exams. Pradhan stated on Friday that this committee recommended moving to computer-based testing but acknowledged that “we have not been able to implement it.”
In its 2024 report submitted to the Centre, the committee emphasized “a strong case for transition” from pen-and-paper tests to computer-based ones as the “preferred methodology.” It noted that challenges in reaching underserved areas addressed and highlighted the importance of providing a secure platform, reliable network, testing infrastructure, and qualified personnel.
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