Future NEET UG Exam Update: Centre Proposes Computer-Based, Multi-Session Exam Format Before Supreme Court

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET UG), India’s biggest medical entrance exam, could soon see one of its biggest changes ever. The Central Government has informed the Supreme Court that it is considering conducting future NEET UG exams in a computer-based test (CBT) mode and introducing a multi-session format, similar to the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main). These proposed reforms aim to make the examination more secure, transparent, and efficient while reducing the chances of paper leaks and other irregularities.

The proposal was submitted through an affidavit before the Supreme Court during the hearing of petitions related to NEET UG reforms. The Centre said that moving to a computer-based examination and holding it in multiple sessions would strengthen the overall examination process and help prevent large-scale malpractice.

NEET UG May Shift to Computer-Based Test

At present, NEET UG is conducted in the traditional pen-and-paper mode using OMR sheets. However, the Centre has pointed out that most major national entrance examinations, including JEE Main, are already held in computer-based mode.

Under the proposed system, candidates would appear for the examination at designated computer centres across the country. Conducting the test digitally is expected to improve security, reduce the risk of question paper leaks, and make the examination process easier to monitor. It could also simplify logistics for authorities managing an exam taken by more than 20 lakh students every year.

Multi-Session Exam Like JEE Main

Another major change being considered is conducting NEET UG in multiple sessions instead of holding the exam on a single day across the country.

A multi-session format would allow candidates to appear in different shifts over a few days, depending on the availability of test centres. Similar to JEE Main, scores from different sessions would be normalised to ensure fairness among all candidates.

Officials believe this approach would reduce pressure on examination infrastructure and make it easier to conduct such a large-scale exam without compromising security.

No Immediate Change, Final Decision Yet to Come

While the proposal has been placed before the Supreme Court, the Centre has clarified that no final decision has been taken on implementing these changes.

The government informed the court that it will take a final call after reviewing the recommendations of the high-powered committee headed by Nandan Nilekani. The committee was formed to suggest reforms for conducting public examinations more securely and efficiently following concerns over exam-related irregularities in recent years.

This means that students should not assume the exam pattern has changed yet. Any modification to the examination format will only be announced through an official notification by the concerned authorities.

Supreme Court Hearing to Continue

The Supreme Court has taken the Centre’s affidavit on record and asked the petitioners to submit their responses. The matter will be heard again later this month, when the proposed changes to the NEET UG examination system are expected to be discussed further.

Until then, the existing examination pattern will continue unless the government officially announces any changes.

What It Means for NEET Aspirants?

If the proposal is approved, NEET UG aspirants will have to adapt to taking the exam on a computer instead of filling OMR sheets. While the syllabus and question pattern are expected to remain the same, students may need to become comfortable with an online test environment.

Education experts believe a computer-based format can make the examination process more transparent and secure. At the same time, they have stressed that the government must ensure adequate testing centres, reliable infrastructure, and equal access for students from rural and remote areas before implementing such a major reform.

For now, aspirants should continue preparing according to the current NEET UG syllabus and exam pattern. The proposal to shift NEET UG to a computer-based, multi-session format is still under consideration, and any official changes will be announced only after the Supreme Court proceedings and the government’s final decision.

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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