NEET-UG Shift to Computer-Based Testing Under Active Consideration, Centre Tells Supreme Court

The Ministry of Education has informed the Supreme Court that shifting the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) from a pen-and-paper format to Computer Based Testing (CBT) is under active consideration by all stakeholders. The government outlined these details in an affidavit served to parties following the paper leak controversy surrounding NEET-UG 2026.

What Happened

In an affidavit dated August 4, 2026, served late Tuesday, the central government submitted its first response to the apex court following the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leaks. The Ministry stated that a potential migration to CBT is being reviewed, considering models ranging from a single stage to a two-stage examination on the pattern of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Mains and Advanced).

The Ministry described NEET-UG as a unique examination due to several factors, noting that it caters to more than 22 lakh registered candidates, a majority of whom are women and rural applicants.

Key Highlights

• Migration of NEET-UG to a Computer Based Testing (CBT) mode is under active consideration by all stakeholders.
• The government is reviewing exam structures, including single-stage or two-stage options similar to JEE Mains and Advanced.
• A final decision will be taken only after considering recommendations from a high-powered task force chaired by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani.
• Structural changes to NEET-UG design will require consultation with, and concurrence of, the Ministry of Health and the National Medical Commission.
• The Centre committed to providing candidates with adequate advance notice before implementing changes to lower stress and ensure a smooth transition.
• The government highlighted the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act of 2026 and the Nilekani-led task force as landmark steps to counter future paper leaks.
• Senior professional appointments across ten functional verticals have been notified to build internal expertise in cybersecurity, psychometrics, IT, and operations.
• An institutional memory system is being established to create formal “Learnings Notes” after every public exam to document challenges and practices.

Why This Matters

The potential reform follows the enactment of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act of 2026 and the setup of the Nandan Nilekani task force, both of which the government framed as key protections against exam malpractices. Because NEET-UG serves over 22 lakh students—with a high representation of rural and female test-takers—any shift in testing delivery directly impacts nationwide medical entrance administration and candidate preparation.

What to Watch Next

The government will await the final recommendations of the high-powered task force led by Nandan Nilekani before determining its final approach. Any structural modification to the entrance exam will proceed only after receiving formal concurrence from the Health Ministry and the National Medical Commission, accompanied by advance notice to candidates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has a final decision been made to switch NEET-UG to computer-based testing?

No, the government stated that the transition is currently under active consideration and a final approach will be finalized only after reviewing recommendations from the Nandan Nilekani task force.

Will health regulatory bodies be involved in changing the exam format?

Yes, the affidavit notes that any structural change in the design of NEET-UG will be carried out in consultation with, and with the concurrence of, the Health Ministry and the National Medical Commission.

How will candidates be informed about changes to the examination?

The Union government assured the Supreme Court that candidates will receive adequate advance notice regarding any transition in exam mode or design to ensure a smooth and equitable process.

Source: Affidavit filed by the Ministry of Education in the Supreme Court, as reported by The Hindu.