NEET UG 2025 Exam Reforms: Expert Committee Submits Report on Online Testing, Multi-Stage Exams, Security Enhancement
The seven-member committee, headed by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan, has now submitted its report to the Ministry of Education, proposing several changes to enhance the security and fairness of the exam.
The Supreme Court recently extended the deadline for a government-formed expert committee to submit its report on reforming the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) processes following a paper leak incident earlier this year. The seven-member committee, headed by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan, has now submitted its report to the Ministry of Education, proposing several changes to enhance the security and fairness of the exam.
Key Proposals from the Expert Panel:
Online and Hybrid Exam Models: The panel suggests using online exams wherever feasible. For instances where full online testing is challenging, a hybrid model is recommended, wherein question papers are digitally sent to examination centers, while candidates complete responses on paper.
Multi-Stage Exam for Medical Aspirants: Similar to the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), the panel proposes a two-stage examination for NEET to manage the large volume of applicants, which reached nearly two million this year.
Revised CUET Subject Choices: The committee advises reducing the number of subjects in the Central University Entrance Test (CUET) to prevent redundancy, as students often retake subjects they have already studied in board exams.
Enhanced Staffing at NTA: The committee recommends that the National Testing Agency (NTA) increase permanent staffing to improve exam administration, moving away from reliance on temporary personnel.
Strengthened Data Security: The panel suggests the NTA assume greater control over exam centers and limit the use of private facilities to prevent unauthorized access. Transmitting question papers digitally closer to exam time would further reduce security risks.
Limits on NEET Attempts: The report proposes capping the number of NEET attempts per candidate, encouraging candidates to prepare thoroughly.
NEET UG 2025 Exam Date and Expected Changes
The NTA is expected to announce the NEET UG 2025 schedule soon, with the exam tentatively set for May 4, 2025. Due to recent reforms in JEE Main 2025, including the removal of optional questions, similar updates may be considered for NEET UG. Candidates are advised to stay updated on official announcements from the NTA.
Updated Syllabus for NEET UG 2025
Alongside these recommendations, the NTA has revised the NEET syllabus, reflecting updated topics in Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. Aspirants are encouraged to check the NTA’s website to align their studies with the latest requirements.
As per the NEET exam pattern, each subject is divided into two sections, Section A and Section B. Section A consists of 35 questions, wherein all questions have to be attempted. On the other hand, Section B carries 15 questions, out of which, any 10 questions have to be attempted. Hence, to answer your question, no, you cannot answer all questions from Section B of NEET question paper.
Even if you attempt all 15 questions in Section B, only the first 10 questions and answers will be marked. Hence, it is advised that attempt only 10 questions which you are confident of, and not all 10. Attempting extra questions will not only lead to wastage of time, but your efforts and focus as well. You can utilise that time in revising the attempted questions, or to increase your number of attempts in Section A.
Next Steps
The Supreme Court has not yet reviewed the committee’s recommendations but granted a two-week extension for the report submission. Further examination and approvals are expected before the NTA can implement any official changes, with updates likely to be shared on the NTA's website.
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NEET or National Eligibility cum Entrance Test is a paper-and-pencil-based test (PBT) of three hours or 180 minutes duration. There will be a total of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), all of which will be compulsory to attempt. The syllabus of the exam consists of Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects. The Biology subject is segregated between Zoology and Botany. On the other hand, the Chemistry subject is segregated into Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry. Unlike last year, the subjects will not be divided into two sections.
According to the marking scheme, each correct question carries 4 marks, and there is a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer. No marks will be awarded or deducted for unattempted questions. The following table brings the structure of the NEET exam.