RTI Activist Urges NTA to Reconsider NEET UG 2025 Age Limits and Exam Format for Fairness
In a letter Dr. Vivek Pandey Warns National Testing Agency (NTA) That Proposed Age Limits and Multi-Session Exam Format Could Disadvantage Underprivileged Students, Advocates for a Two-Stage Exam Model to Reduce Stress and Maintain Fairness
Right to Information (RTI) activist Dr. Vivek Pandey has sent a letter to the National Testing Agency (NTA) raising objections over proposed changes to the NEET UG 2025 exam, specifically addressing the potential implementation of age and attempt limits and the shift to an online multi-session format. Dr. Pandey emphasized that the modifications could lead to significant challenges for students, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds, and urged for a more equitable approach.
In his letter, Dr. Pandey argued that setting age or attempt restrictions would disproportionately burden students who may require additional preparation time and resources. He highlighted that such limitations would force many aspirants into expensive coaching classes, exacerbating mental health issues and leading to stress. He referenced the National Medical Commission (NMC) order that previously lifted age restrictions, stating that reinstating these limits would contradict efforts to ensure access to medical education for all deserving candidates.
The RTI activist also expressed concerns over the proposed multi-session online format for NEET UG. According to Dr. Pandey, this approach could result in inconsistencies in exam difficulty and fairness, even if normalization techniques are applied. He cited a Supreme Court ruling from 2017 that advocated for a single-session, paper-based NEET exam to maintain uniformity and fairness, suggesting that the multi-session plan could undermine these principles.
As an alternative, Dr. Pandey proposed a two-stage examination format akin to the JEE system. He recommended a preliminary screening exam to filter candidates, followed by a single-session, paper-based main exam for those who qualify. This model, he argued, would help manage the large number of aspirants while preserving fairness and reducing stress.
Dr. Pandey called on the NTA to reconsider the proposed changes, prioritize student welfare, and uphold accessibility and equal opportunities in the NEET UG exam framework.
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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.
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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.