NEET UG likely to shift from pen-and-paper to online exam mode

The NEET UG examination is expected to transition to CBT mode as the government takes steps to enhance exam security and transparency. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan suggests significant changes in response to the recent paper leak.

In Short

• NEET UG may switch to an online mode for future exams
• Move aims to improve exam security and transparency
• Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hints at digital transition

The NEET UG exam is expected to shift to an online format, to improve transparency and integrity in the examination process. This move comes in response to the NEET 2024 paper leak incident, which triggered widespread protests and calls for a retest from thousands of students.

The discussions are underway involving the Ministry of Health, the National Testing Agency (NTA), and a newly formed independent monitoring committee chaired by former ISRO Chief K Radhakrishnan. This committee was established to address concerns arising from the paper leak allegations and to recommend measures to strengthen the examination framework.

The Radhakrishnan-led panel has proposed a phased adoption of computer-based testing (CBT) as a long-term solution to minimise security vulnerabilities. Additionally, it has recommended a hybrid model as an intermediary step.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasised transitioning the NEET UG exam from pen-and-paper mode to online mode during an interview with a leading media house.

SUGGESTIONS AS PER THE COMMITTEE REPORT

The committee, chaired by former ISRO Chief K Radhakrishnan, suggested several changes for the future of NEET UG. The report also highlights the transmission of paper-based content into a digital format. In this system, question papers would be digitally transmitted to exam centres, while students would write their answers on physical sheets.

This approach is designed to reduce the risks associated with the traditional paper-based process, including vulnerabilities during printing, storage, and transportation.

The implementation of the committee's report has begun, with a monitoring group set up to continuously advise and monitor NTA. This group will act as a third-party oversight. The health ministry, being the primary client, is being consulted for its suggestions.

Following discussions with the ministry, the committee, and the NTA, it is highly likely that the transition will shift towards computer-based testing (CBT).

These changes are aimed at restoring confidence in the examination system and ensuring a secure, fair, and efficient process for all candidates. The recommendations mark a significant shift in how national-level entrance exams may be conducted in the future.