NEET UG Exam: Parliamentary Panel Slams NTA; Calls for Pen-and-Paper Exam

A parliamentary standing committee criticised NTA for multiple exam issues in examinations such as NEET, CUET and UGC NET. The panel suggested a shift to a pen and paper-based exam for better control and blacklisting unfair means. 

A parliamentary standing committee on education, women, children, youth and sports has criticised the National Testing Agency (NTA) over the recurring challenges and disruptions in its major entrance examination. The committee has submitted a details report examining the functioning of NTA while conducting these examinations. The report, chaired by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh, reviews the performance of the National Testing Agency and assesses whether a return to pen-and-paper mode would improve reliability and sanctity of the examination. 

The committee recently checked how NTA (which runs tests like NEET, UGC NET and CUET) manages its security and daily work. They wrote a report saying the NTA needs big changes to stop cheating and unfairness in exams. The committee suggested NTA must look at how other reliable groups, like the UPSC and CBSE, conduct their tests, as those systems are much safer without major leaks. The main concern was that the NTA must fix its system using proven examples so that future exams are fair for everyone.

Will NEET 2026 be Conducted in Pen and Paper Mode? 

The parliament committee only suggested that NTA shift to a pen and paper-based mode. However, no clarification by NTA has been released as of now. It is still uncertain if NTA will conduct NEET UG 2026 in pen-and-paper format. The decision depends on how the government reacts to the argument of the special committee and the specific changes they decide in the next few months.

Read more:

• NEET UG 2026 Expected on May 3; Official Confirmation Awaited from Education Ministry