NEET UG 2026 may shift to online mode; education ministry reviews exam security, CBT strategy

The Ministry of Education, in New Delhi, reviewed preparations for upcoming national-level examinations with senior officials of the National Testing Agency (NTA) on October 2, 2026. This review included discussions on a national Computer-Based Testing (CBT) infrastructure strategy and the potential transition of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) from its current pen-and-paper format to an online mode.

The discussions pursue the 2024 NEET-UG paper leak controversy and are part of broader examination reform efforts. Minister of Education, Pralhad Joshi, posted on X, highlighting the role of timely communication, efficient test conduct, and a frictionless experience for students and aspirants. NEET-UG is one of the NTA’s largest examinations, annually attracting nearly 25 lakh candidates vying for 1,08,000 MBBS seats across government and private colleges, on top of admissions for dentistry, Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha courses.

Proposed Shift to CBT for NEET-UG

A significant aspect of the ongoing discussions is the possible migration of NEET-UG to a Computer-Based Testing format. Currently, NEET-UG is conducted using Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets. A final decision on this transition, including its design, sequencing, and infrastructure prerequisites, is awaiting recommendations from the Nandan Nilekani-led High-Powered Task Force on examination reforms. This task force, established in July, is consulting experts and stakeholders to strengthen the examination system, particularly those conducted by the NTA.

The potential shift to CBT for NEET-UG requires careful consideration of test centre availability, the transition sequence, and its implications for candidates in rural areas, women, and those from low-connectivity districts. Keshav Agarwal noted that while moving from paper to screen could reduce vulnerabilities in printing and transportation, it does not automatically eliminate insider collusion or malpractice. He stressed the need to count accredited examination seats and conduct physical inspections and full-load rehearsals. Ashish Mittal added that a successful transition requires a reliable, purpose-built, standardised, and secure examination infrastructure nationwide, integrating technology, physical infrastructure, security, and operations into an auditable system focused on candidate experience.

National CBT Infrastructure Strategy

The Ministry of Education is actively formulating a national Computer-Based Testing (CBT) infrastructure strategy. This strategy aims to expand examination centres, standardize their infrastructure, and support large national-level entrance examinations. A senior Ministry official stated that the strategy seeks to ‘close the geographic gap’ in test centre availability and establish uniform examination-grade specifications across the country. The proposed CBT model is expected to use multiple sources of infrastructure.

This infrastructure strategy is central to a broader examination reform exercise that involves security, technology, accessibility, and inclusion. A nationwide CBT framework could support the migration of other offline entrance examinations to computer-based testing. The NTA already conducts several major examinations in computer-based mode, including JEE-Main, CUET-UG, CUET-PG, UGC-NET, and CSIR-UGC-NET. The successful transition to CBT for any examination requires adequate centres, standardized equipment, reliable connectivity, power backup, and solid security measures.

Broader Examination Reforms and Task Force Recommendations

The Ministry of Education’s review and strategic planning are part of wider examination reform efforts initiated as an answer to the 2024 NEET-UG paper leak controversy. The Nandan Nilekani-led High-Powered Task Force was specifically established in July to recommend thorough reforms in public examinations, including those administered by the NTA. The task force’s recommendations are crucial for the government to make a final decision on NEET-UG’s format and transition timeline.

A separate meeting with senior officials of the Department of Higher Education also took place, focusing on innovation, adaptability, and student-centric approaches in higher education. The Supreme Court has previously sought details from the Centre regarding steps taken to implement recommendations related to examination reforms. The Health Ministry and National Medical Commission will also be consulted regarding the potential changes to NEET-UG, given its role in medical admissions.

Further reading

• NEET UG 2026: Uttarakhand opens Round 3 NRI quota MBBS registration until 5 October
• Kerala NEET third phase option registration for MBBS, BDS courses closes October 10
• National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (UG) application form: eligibility, dates and how to apply Next step
• Ladakh Central Pool MBBS/BDS: Apply by Sep 10 for 2026-27 single merit list Applications open
• Common University Entrance Test application form: eligibility, dates and how to apply
• National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (UG): complete exam guide

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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