Education Ministry Plans Computer-Based System for Possible Online NEET Shift

The Ministry of Education is preparing a national Computer-Based Testing infrastructure strategy to support a possible shift of the NEET-UG medical entrance exam from pen-and-paper to online mode.

Examination Infrastructure

A senior ministry official stated that the plan aims to close the geographic gap in test centre availability and standardise examination-grade specifications. The government is studying the required infrastructure, transition steps, center availability, and potential impacts on rural students, women candidates, and regions with weak internet connectivity. Officials noted that the massive scale of NEET, which sees nearly 25 lakh candidates annually, makes the transition demanding.

Reform Panels

A final decision on the exam mode will come after the Nandan Nilekani-led High-Powered Task Force on examination reforms submits its recommendations. This panel, set up in July, has also consulted former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan regarding an overhaul of the National Testing Agency. The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to share steps taken to carry out recommendations from both the Radhakrishnan committee and the Nilekani task force.

Context

While the National Testing Agency already conducts major tests like JEE-Main and UGC-NET online, NEET-UG has traditionally relied on paper and OMR sheets. Developing a robust digital testing network is a major administrative undertaking for national exams in India.