NEET UG to go computer-based from 2027: what changes for 22 lakh aspirants

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET UG, will transition from its long-standing pen-and-paper format to a fully computer-based test (CBT) starting from the 2027 examination cycle. This significant change, confirmed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to the Supreme Court, was announced by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on May 15, 2026, and will affect over 22 lakh candidates who appear annually for the medical entrance exam.

The move is a direct response to repeated paper leak cases, including a controversy surrounding NEET UG 2026, and follows recommendations from the Radhakrishnan Committee, which was formed after the NEET controversy in 2024 to address security gaps. The Ministry of Education is currently working on a national examination-grade CBT infrastructure strategy to support this transition, aiming for a more secure, faster, and transparent system.

Key Changes for NEET UG Aspirants

For students preparing for NEET UG, the most significant alteration will be the examination interface itself. Aspirants will move from using OMR sheets and a pen to interacting with a computer screen, where a timer will be displayed. This aligns NEET UG with other major entrance examinations like JEE Main and CUET, which are already conducted on a CBT basis.

Despite the shift in medium, the core examination format is largely expected to remain consistent. The exam will likely feature 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), with students attempting 180 of them. The grade marking system will also remain unchanged, awarding +4 marks for each correct answer and deducting -1 mark for each incorrect answer, leading to a total score of 720 marks. The NEET syllabus will continue to be based on NCERT Textbooks of Class 11 and Class 12 for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Enhanced Security and Operational Adjustments

The primary motivation behind the transition to CBT is to enhance exam security, reduce the risks of paper leaks, and improve transparency in the examination process. Computer-based exams offer the capability to provide different question sets to different students, further bolstering security measures. The NTA intends to set up more powerful technical security, including encrypted servers and monitoring by artificial intelligence.

Due to the large number of candidates, with over 22 lakh appearing annually, the NTA will likely conduct NEET UG 2027 on multiple days and in various shifts, similar to the JEE Main examination. This operational adjustment will necessitate a greater reliance on score normalisation to ensure fairness across different shifts and question sets. Faster results are also anticipated with the digital format.

Infrastructure and Equity Considerations

The Ministry of Education’s proposed infrastructure strategy is examining examination-grade facilities and standardisation across locations. Officials have indicated that the transition involves a thorough assessment of infrastructure prerequisites and the availability of suitable centres nationwide. A successful CBT system requires reliable computer systems, adequate power backup, secure examination networks, trained technical personnel, standardised testing facilities, candidate authentication and monitoring systems, and contingency arrangements for technical disruptions.

The government is actively examining the geographical availability of test centres, particularly addressing challenges in rural and low-connectivity districts. The Centre is also considering the equity implications of this transition for rural candidates, women, and students in areas with limited internet access, to ensure that the shift does not disadvantage any segment of the student population. A high-powered task force on examination reforms, under the leadership of Nandan Nilekani, was formed in July 2026 to further address these aspects.

Preparing for the Digital Exam

While the final transition plan for NEET UG to CBT is still under consideration, and the current NTA website lists NEET UG 2026 as the applicable examination cycle, candidates should begin to familiarise themselves with computer-based testing environments. This includes becoming comfortable with reading questions and options on a screen, recording answers digitally, and managing time effectively with an on-screen timer.

Students are advised to practice computer-based mock tests to adapt to the new interface, including moving between questions, reviewing unanswered questions, changing answers, and utilising any available ‘mark for review’ features. Candidates should await the official NEET information bulletin for specific interface features and continue to focus primarily on their academic preparation. Official details regarding the final format, examination centres, technical arrangements, and implementation timeline will be announced by the NTA and the Education Ministry.

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
• NEET 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
• CUET application form: eligibility, dates and how to apply
• NEET: 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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