Education Ministry to shift NEET to online computer-based format
The Ministry of Education is developing a national Computer-Based Testing (CBT) infrastructure strategy in preparation for a potential shift of NEET-UG from pen-and-paper to online mode. The initiative aims to create an examination-grade system capable of supporting large national-level entrance exams across the country, focusing on increasing test centre availability, standardising infrastructure specifications, and enabling migration of more exams from offline to computer-based testing.
A senior Ministry of Education official stated that the strategy is being prepared to "close the geographic gap" in test centre availability and standardise examination-grade specifications, utilising multiple sources for providing required infrastructure. However, officials noted that while the possible shift is being worked out, a final decision is expected only after the Nandan Nilekali-led High-Powered Task Force on examination reforms submits its recommendations. The proposed transition involves examining infrastructure requirements, sequencing logistics, and centre availability, while also assessing potential impact on candidates in rural areas, women candidates, and students from districts with poor internet connectivity.
The Nilekani-led task force, established in July, was mandated to recommend comprehensive reforms in the conduct, security, design and governance of public examinations, including those conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Its mandate encompasses examination security, technology, infrastructure, accessibility and inclusion. Once the national infrastructure strategy is implemented, officials indicated that the broader objective would be to enable migration of other pen-and-paper entrance examinations to CBT as well.
