MBBS Admission, NEET UG Exam: If you're preparing for NEET, this news is useful. The Ministry of Education is considering shifting NEET UG to a computer-based test (CBT) mode, meaning the exam could be conducted on computers instead of using pen and paper. Over 2.2 million students took NEET in 2025, and controversies like paper leaks have fueled calls for reforms. The ministry is analyzing data to determine if the CBT mode will disadvantage any group of students. Several meetings have been held between the Education and Health Ministries, but a final plan has not yet been finalized.

NEET: 2.2 million students, over 100,000 seats
NEET is the country's largest medical entrance exam, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Over 2.2 million students participated in it in 2025. This exam serves as a gateway to courses like MBBS, BDS, Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha. Of the total 108,000 MBBS seats, 56,000 are in government colleges and 52,000 in private colleges. This means that the future of millions of students depends on this exam. However, incidents like paper leaks in the pen-paper mode have shaken students' confidence. Now, the ministry is considering whether CBT can solve these problems, as it does in JEE Main or NEET PG.

NEET Paper Leak: Allegations of Paper Leak

Last year, NEET faced allegations of irregularities and paper leaks. The UGC NET was cancelled because the ministry suspected that the exam's security had been breached. CBI investigations are underway in both cases. Following this, in July 2024, the central government formed a high-level panel headed by former ISRO chief R. Radhakrishnan. The panel recommended converting NEET to multi-stage testing to increase security. The CBT mode is also part of this idea. Computerized exams reduce the risk of paper leaks and ensure faster results, but the ministry is examining data to determine whether CBT will pose a disadvantage to rural students or those with limited resources.

Ministry's Analysis: What will be the benefits?
A senior official told a media outlet that they are analyzing data to determine whether the CBT mode will harm any category of students. They are also looking at the existing infrastructure and experiences with other exams like the JEE. Once the analysis is complete, this report will be shared with the Health Ministry. The benefits are clear: CBT will ensure secure papers, reduce the risk of leaks, and ensure faster results. However, the challenge is where will the computer centers will be available for 2.2 million students? The lack of internet and computers in rural areas is a major issue. The ministry is working on this.

NEET's Future: Multi-Stage or CBT?
The panel has suggested making NEET multi-stage, meaning prelims first, then mains. The CBT mode could make this easier. Last year's controversies revealed the security holes in the pen-paper system. The NTA has already made some improvements, but shifting CBT could make the exam more transparent. This is good news for students, as multiple shifts in CBT will increase fairness, but will require training and centers for rural students.

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