NEET UG 2027 to Shift to CBT Mode; NTA Seeks AICTE Help for Exam Centres

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially confirmed that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) will transition to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode starting from the 2027 examination cycle. To support this significant shift, the NTA has sought assistance from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to identify suitable government institutions across India for CBT examination centres. This move aims to modernize the examination system, enhance security, and address past controversies.

This decision, officially confirmed by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on May 15, 2026, and formally submitted to the Supreme Court by the NTA, marks a pivotal change for over 22.7 lakh aspirants who appeared for the NEET UG 2026 examination. The shift is a direct response to recommendations from the Radhakrishnan Committee, formed after the 2024 NEET-UG controversy, and follows a paper leak in the NEET UG 2026 exam cycle that forced the NTA to cancel and re-conduct the exam.

NEET UG 2027: Transition to CBT Mode and Infrastructure Assessment

The transition of NEET UG to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from 2027 is a strategic move by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to bolster the integrity and efficiency of the examination process.The decision to move away from the traditional pen-and-paper format was cemented after the 2026 NEET-UG exam, which was conducted on May 3, 2026. The NTA declared the May 3 exam cancelled on May 12, 2026, and a re-examination was later announced for June 21, 2026, with the CBI registering an FIR and arresting 13 people in connection with the leak.

To ensure a smooth transition, the NTA has enlisted the support of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to identify and assess suitable government institutions for the new CBT examination centres. According to a senior NTA official, “The centres of CBT cannot be outsourced to small private players and have to be chosen after assessment on strict parameters. AICTE, being the technical education regulator, has a lot of tech colleges which are equipped with the infrastructure.” The AICTE is currently evaluating the existing IT infrastructure and vacant spaces within government-run, AICTE-approved higher education institutions nationwide to meet the requirements for these new testing centres.

AICTE stated, “NTA conducts various national-level exams in CBT mode. With the progressive migration of examination modes and the requirement for a wider geographically distributed network of testing centres, NTA is assessing the availability of suitable infrastructure in government institutions across the country.”

NEET UG 2027: Syllabus, Marking Scheme, and Exam Structure

The NEET UG 2027 exam is expected to retain the existing academic structure and marking pattern, with the major change being its proposed shift to a computer-based test (CBT) mode.

Particulars	NEET UG 2027 Details
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Total Marks	720
Physics	45 questions
Chemistry	45 questions
Biology	90 questions (Botany + Zoology)
Total Questions	180
Marks for Correct Answer	+4
Negative Marking	-1 for an incorrect answer
NEET Syllabus	Expected to remain unchanged
Subject-Wise Weightage	Expected to remain unchanged
Rough Work	Physical scribble pad expected to be provided
Exam Shifts	Expected to be conducted in multiple shifts and potentially across multiple days
Normalization	Percentile-based normalization expected for maintaining comparability across shifts

How to Prepare for NEET UG 2027 CBT

For aspirants preparing for NEET UG 2027, adapting to the CBT format will be crucial. While the syllabus remains the same, the mode of examination requires a unlike approach to practice and time management. The NTA typically provides resources to help candidates familiarize themselves with the CBT interface.

Start taking mock tests on a laptop or desktop to simulate the actual exam environment.
Utilize the NTA Abhyas App, which offers free mock tests for various national-level examinations in CBT mode.
Practice CBT-specific actions such as marking questions for review, navigating between sections, and understanding the timer functionality.
Familiarize yourself with the on-screen calculator (if provided, though typically not for NEET) and other digital tools.
Focus on improving typing speed and accuracy for any potential text-based inputs, although NEET UG is primarily multiple-choice.

NEET UG 2027: Official Websites

All official announcements, updates, and examination-related information for NEET UG 2027 will be published on the designated websites of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). Aspirants are advised to regularly check these portals for accurate and timely information regarding the examination, application process, and counselling.

National Testing Agency (NTA): nta.ac.in
NEET UG Official Portal: neet.ntaonline.in (or similar official domain once announced)
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC): mcc.nic.in

Written by Aayush Kukreja

Aayush is a writer and content strategist who turns personal stories into brand narratives. With an experience spanning diverse industries, rely on his writing for simplifying complex subjects & get in-depth insights - always with sharp wit.

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