NEET-UG 2027: NTA Seeks Government Institutions for Computer-Based Exam Centres Amid Overhaul

The National Testing Agency (NTA) today, September 2, 2026, formally requested the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to gather information from government institutions across India regarding their IT infrastructure and available space for developing computer-based NEET-UG examination centres for the upcoming academic year. This move signals a significant shift for the medical entrance exam, which will transition from its traditional pen-and-paper format to a computer-based test (CBT) from next year onwards. The initiative comes as part of a full overhaul of the NTA following a widespread paper leak that led to the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination.

The decision to move NEET-UG to a CBT format is a direct consequence of the 2026 NEET scandal, which involved a paper leak and other examination irregularities affecting over 2.27 million candidates. The cancellation of the May 3, 2026, exam sparked nationwide protests and ultimately led to the resignation of then-Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on July 25, 2026. This strategic shift aims to bolster the integrity and security of the examination process, addressing critical vulnerabilities exposed by the recent incident.

NEET-UG 2027: Call for Infrastructure Details

Earlier this week, the AICTE had already communicated with Vice Chancellors of state-run technical universities, directors, and principals of AICTE-approved government-run higher education institutions, requesting their cooperation in this critical data collection. The NTA had initially written to AICTE on August 5, seeking this information on computing infrastructure and vacant space. Institutions approved by AICTE, including engineering colleges, polytechnic institutes, government university departments, and other state-run technical or management institutions, have been specifically asked to provide detailed information.

The required details encompass functional computers, detailed IT infrastructure, tough networking and internet connectivity, reliable power backup systems, CCTV surveillance capabilities, and available vacant space suitable for examination purposes. The AICTE has explicitly stated that this information is sought only from government colleges and institutions approved by AICTE, urging them to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the furnished data, verified by the institution’s competent authority. The deadline for institutions to submit these crucial details to AICTE is September 15, 2026.

Addressing Capacity Constraints for Cbt Exams

The transition to a computer-based NEET-UG exam presents a significant logistical challenge for the NTA, which currently conducts at least six of its entrance exams in CBT mode. While the NTA possesses infrastructure capable of supporting approximately 600 CBT examination centres nationwide, India presently lacks the capacity to conduct online exams for more than three lakh candidates in a single shift due to existing resource constraints. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT-Madras, highlighted this limitation, stating, “Currently, India does not have the capacity to conduct online exams for more than three lakh candidates in a single shift due to resource constraints.”

The NTA had previously envisioned expanding its capacity for online exams, aiming to accommodate 40,000 candidates per shift initially, with plans to scale up to 2,00,000 candidates per shift, each centre equipped with 275 computer nodes. A tender was floated in January this year to increase computer lab capacity in 378 cities, but a top NTA official confirmed that the work has not progressed as the tenders haven’t been finalised. An NTA official noted that discussions for administering NEET-UG in CBT mode, similar to JEE (Mains), have been ongoing for at least five years, adding that the recent paper leak should serve as an eye-opener to change the format of the exams.

Enhanced Security Framework and Task Force

The Union Education Ministry’s decision to shift NEET-UG to a computer-based examination is currently under active consideration, as informed to the Supreme Court. This move is part of a broader effort to fortify the examination system, which includes the enactment of the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Act, 2026. In addition, a High-Powered Task Force, chaired by Infosys co-founder and former UIDAI Chairperson Nandan Nilekani, has been constituted to submit recommendations within three months, aiming to further strengthen examination integrity.

In preparation for the re-examination of NEET-UG 2026, which took place on June 21, 2026, the NTA implemented an extensive security framework designed under the leadership of former ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Radhakrishnan. This complete design covered every stage of the examination process, from question paper preparation in highly secured, isolated locations to the final collection of OMR response sheets. The re-examination saw the deployment of over 1.38 lakh CCTV cameras across more than 95,000 examination rooms, AI-powered surveillance systems, biometric verification, face authentication, and 51,311 jammers to prevent electronic cheating. In addition, more than 48,000 personnel were assigned for biometric verification, alongside 38,795 frisking personnel and 40 to 50 security personnel per centre, ensuring multi-agency coordination and solid security measures.

NEET 2026 Re-Exam Security Measures

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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