Why the Government Declined to Conduct NEET UG 2025 Online Despite Paper Leak Concerns
A high-level committee, led by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan and assigned to reform the entrance examination process, had recommended the adoption of computer-based testing to restrict access to question…
A high-level committee, led by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan and assigned to reform the entrance examination process, had recommended the adoption of computer-based testing to restrict access to question papers.
Following last year’s NEET UG 2024 paper leak, the Union government held extensive discussions on measures to prevent future controversies, with a shift to online exams being a prominent suggestion. A high-level committee chaired by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan also recommended adopting computer-based testing to minimize access to question papers.
However, on Thursday, the government announced through the National Testing Agency (NTA) that NEET UG 2025 will continue in the traditional pen-and-paper format.
Two critical factors influenced this decision:
- Logistical Challenges:
- NEET UG is the largest entrance examination in India, with approximately 24 lakh candidates last year and an expected increase to 28-30 lakh aspirants this year. Switching to a computer-based format would require significant resources, as online exams can accommodate only around 1.5 lakh candidates per shift. Conducting an exam for 30 lakh aspirants would necessitate multiple shifts over 10 or more days, creating logistical complexities, including the need for numerous question paper variations and well-equipped, reliable test centers.
- Officials also pointed to the technical failures experienced during the first Central University Entrance Test (CUET), where ill-prepared centers caused disruptions, leading to last-minute cancellations. To avoid such setbacks, the government decided to stick with the existing format.
- Equity for Rural Students:
- A large proportion of NEET UG aspirants come from rural areas, where familiarity with computers is limited compared to urban candidates. Transitioning to an online format without sufficient preparation would disadvantage these students. Health ministry officials emphasized the need for adequate notice and preparation time before making such a significant change.
Also Read : NEET UG 2025 to be held in pen and paper mode in a single day, single shift: NTA
Although NEET UG 2025 will remain a pen-and-paper exam this year, officials indicate that a gradual shift to a computer-based format remains the long-term goal. However, this change will only occur once robust infrastructure and sufficient notice to candidates are in place.
For now, the government remains tight-lipped about additional measures being implemented to prevent paper leaks in the upcoming examination.
