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

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports submitted a detailed report on 10 October 2026, proposing major changes to the NEET (UG) examination system. The recommendations include a shift to Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, a two-stage exam format, and the introduction of age and attempt limits for candidates.

These proposals come in the wake of the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 on 12 May 2026, following paper leak allegations and reported irregularities. The committee’s report, titled ‘Reforms and Strengthening of NTA’, aims to enhance the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) accountability, rebuild trust, improve security, and reduce examination fraud for the approximately 22 lakh students who take NEET (UG) annually.

Proposed Changes to Exam Structure and Mode

The Parliamentary Standing Committee has advocated for a significant overhaul of the NEET (UG) examination structure, moving from a single-stage, pen-and-paper format to a two-stage, computer-based test. This proposed two-stage format would involve a common preliminary test, followed by specialised main examinations for individual courses. This structure is intended to help distinguish candidates seeking admission to nursing and AYUSH programmes from those competing for MBBS seats.

The committee also suggested a greater reliance on government-run examination centres and a complete shift towards computer-based tests (CBTs) for all major entrance examinations. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had announced on 15 May 2026, that NEET UG would be held in CBT mode. 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 committee was informed that encrypted questions could be delivered to exam centres and printed there until full CBT readiness is achieved.

Review of Age and Attempt Limits

A key recommendation from the committee is a review of age and attempt limits for major entrance examinations, including NEET-UG. Currently, NEET-UG has no limit on the number of attempts and no effective upper age limit, with candidates above 70 having appeared. The committee recommended that the Education Ministry, in consultation with the Health Ministry and other stakeholders, examine the feasibility of introducing reasonable age and attempt limits. This aligns with concerns raised by experts such as Ajai Singh, Vice Chancellor of UP University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, who stated that “Beyond a point, getting to learn new skills and cope with the rigours of medical training declines.”

Previously, NEET-UG had an upper age cap of 25 years (30 for SC/ST/OBC-NCL and PwD) and a three-attempt limit, which were removed in 2017 by the National Medical Commission (NMC). The Supreme Court intervened on the age restriction in 2017, and the NMC removed the upper age limit in March 2022. The committee noted that UGC-NET could be treated as an exception to age and attempt limits. These proposed age and attempt caps are considered long-term measures and are unlikely to be implemented before NEET 2028.

Enhancing NTA Accountability and Security

To address issues of accountability and security, the Parliamentary Standing Committee recommended a legislative framework to make the NTA accountable to both Houses of Parliament. The committee stated, “The education department may introduce an appropriate Parliamentary framework that ensures NTA’s accountability to Parliament.” The NTA informed the committee that the cancellation of NEET UG 2026 was due to irregularities and malpractice from external actors, not a leak from their system. The trigger for cancellation was an overlap of at least 120 questions between the actual exam paper and a ‘guess paper’ that had been circulating.

The panel urged the NTA to establish a national registry of blacklisted examination vendors and develop a large, diverse, and regularly updated question bank, involving experts from institutions like IITs, AIIMS, and IIMs. Phase 1 reforms for Re-NEET 2026 included over 99.5% of exam centres being government-run institutions and the establishment of 34 state-level control rooms. The committee also highlighted a 41% vacancy rate within the NTA, with only 23 officers in position out of 39 sanctioned posts, all filled through a deputation mode. A High-Powered Task Force led by Nandan Nilekani is currently designing the roadmap for NEET-UG reforms.

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.

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