NEET-UG May Shift to Computer-Based Format Amid Irregularities

The Indian government is considering a significant change to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Undergraduate Medical Studies (NEET-UG), the national exam for undergraduate medical programs. The test, which is currently conducted offline, may be transformed into a computer-based format, similar to the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)-Mains for engineering studies. This decision comes in the wake of irregularities reported in this year’s test, which are currently under review by the Supreme Court.

According to a central government official, who wished to remain anonymous, the idea of shifting NEET-UG to a computer-based format has been discussed within the relevant committee responsible for implementing changes. However, no formal directive has been issued yet. The recent controversies surrounding competitive exams, including NEET-UG, have sparked the notion that these exams should be conducted online.

One of the major challenges in making this transition is the sheer scale of the exam. In 2024, over 2.3 million students appeared for NEET-UG, with the test being held at approximately 4,000 centres across the country. Equipping all these centres with computers and necessary infrastructure would be a daunting task. Nevertheless, conducting the exam online, like JEE-Mains, is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.

Currently, NEET-UG is conducted offline, with students answering multiple-choice questions on an Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheet. A shift to a computer-based test would require aspirants to use a computer to take the test and mark answers on a digital answer sheet.

For comparison, JEE-Mains, which is also a computer-based exam, saw 1.4 million students appear for the test in 2024, conducted across 570 centres. Dr. MC Misra, former director at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, supports the move towards computer-based exams. “Taking this test online is the only way to address the existing loopholes. There is no point in continuing with the offline mode when the whole world is moving towards computer-based exams,” he said.

However, Dr. Misra also emphasized that conducting an exam of this scale would require careful planning and logistics. “They will need to work out the details better, such as conducting the exam in phases like they do for IITs and having regional question papers,” he added.

The shift to a computer-based format would require significant changes to the exam’s infrastructure and logistics. Nevertheless, it is an idea that has gained traction, particularly in light of the recent irregularities reported in the test. The government will need to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision.