Education Ministry reviews plan to hold NEET-UG in computer-based mode

NEET-UG is one of the largest entrance exams in country, with more than 23 lakh candidates appearing for it in 2024 and around 21 lakh in 2025.

Union Ministry of Education is conducting a detailed data analysis to explore possibility of shifting National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduates to online mode. Officials have confirmed that National Testing Agency is examining whether a computer-based test can be introduced in coming years.

A former Director of AIIMS, New Delhi on condition of anonymity said that though online exams are seen as a way to bring more efficiency and transparency, sheer scale of NEET UG poses major challenge. Conducting an exam of this size in computer-based mode would require thousands of centres equipped with reliable internet connectivity, adequate computer systems, and uninterrupted power backup. Authorities are also concerned about ensuring uniformity across rural and urban regions, given the digital divide.

Another issue is fairness in case multiple slots are introduced to accommodate such large numbers. Former Director of AIIMS said that normalization of scores and ensuring comparable difficulty levels across sessions could become contentious issues if exam goes online.

“There are also concerns around NEET exam security, data breaches, and the possibility of technical failures, which remain significant hurdles,” he said.

Looking at these challenges and number of exam takers, a full transition to online mode may take time for exam to be conducted online. As per some of medical education experts if implemented, the shift is unlikely before 2026, and may begin with pilot projects to test readiness before a nationwide rollout.

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