NEET UG 2026 reforms: panel proposes age, attempt limits, two-stage tests after cancellation

A parliamentary standing committee has recommended a legislative framework to ensure the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) accountability to Parliament, along with a review of age and attempt limits and a two-stage testing format for major entrance examinations like NEET-UG. These recommendations were part of a report titled ‘Reforms and Strengthening of NTA’ submitted on 10 October 2026, following the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 due to allegations of a question paper leak.

The committee’s proposals aim to strengthen the credibility and integrity of public examinations, which it described as fundamental to the higher education system. The recommendations address issues that arose after the NTA cancelled NEET-UG 2026 on May 12, 2026, nine days after the examination was conducted on May 3, 2026, impacting approximately 22 lakh students annually.

Proposed Changes to Examination Structure and Eligibility

The parliamentary panel has proposed exploring a two-stage format for large-scale entrance examinations. This structure would involve a common preliminary test followed by specialised main examinations. The committee suggested that this two-stage format could differentiate candidates for nursing and AYUSH programmes from those seeking admission to MBBS seats, potentially reducing competition. This approach is similar to the multi-stage format used for the Civil Services Examination for candidate filtration.

In addition, the committee recommended that the Ministry of Education, in consultation with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and other stakeholders, explore the possibility of implementing reasonable age and attempt limits for major entrance tests, including NEET-UG. Currently, NEET-UG has no limit on the number of attempts and no effective upper age limit, with candidates above the age of 70 having appeared for the examination. While UGC-NET could be treated as an exception, age and attempt caps are considered a ‘Phase 2’ reform, unlikely to be implemented before NEET 2028.

Enhancing Security and Digital Infrastructure

To bolster examination security and integrity, the committee recommended a significant shift towards computer-based tests (CBTs) and greater involvement of government-owned and operated centres. The NTA is urged to prepare a concrete implementation plan for establishing secure government CBT facilities. The shift to CBT is expected to be gradual, likely starting around 2027. The NTA’s current CBT infrastructure can handle approximately 1.5 lakh candidates per shift, with plans to scale to around 10 lakh within a year.

The panel also called for the NTA to establish a national registry of blacklisted examination vendors, noting that private institutions engaged as examination centres have often proved to be a weak link in examination security. Also, a large, diverse, and regularly updated question bank should be developed to reduce the risk of question paper leaks, with experts from institutions like IITs, AIIMS, and IIMs involved in its preparation and translation. The committee stated, “The Committee notes that investment in question banks is the most viable defense against paper leaks in the long-run.”

Strengthening NTA’s Accountability and Staffing

A key recommendation from the committee is for the Education Department to introduce a legislative framework to ensure the NTA’s accountability to Parliament. The committee stated, “The education department may introduce an appropriate Parliamentary framework that ensures NTA’s accountability to Parliament.” This move aims to provide clearer oversight and responsibility for the agency’s operations.

The report also highlighted significant staffing deficiencies within the NTA. Out of 39 sanctioned permanent posts, only 23 officers are currently in position, resulting in a vacancy rate of 41%. All 39 permanent posts are currently filled through deputation. The committee called for the NTA to recruit permanent staff, especially specialists in psychometrics, examination security, digital infrastructure, data analytics, and examination logistics. It noted that the 16 posts under the Central Staffing Scheme should supplement senior leadership, not replace domain expertise. A High-Powered Task Force led by Nandan Nilekani is currently designing the roadmap for NEET-UG reforms, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan having announced on May 15, 2026, that NEET UG would be held in CBT mode.

Further reading

• NEET UG 2026 Manipur round 3 registration closes October 11
• Tripura NEET UG 2026 Round 3 revised schedule out: apply by October 12
• National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (UG) application form: eligibility, dates and how to apply Next step
• KCET: Apply for SJM College of Pharmacy B.Pharm, D.Pharma, Pharm.D by 2026 admissions
• 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.

View all posts →