NEET Online: Not just NEET, major entrance exams including JEE could also go online..

Preparations are underway to transition NEET-UG from the traditional pen-and-paper format to a computer-based mode in the future. The Ministry of Education is working towards establishing a national-level Computer-Based Testing (CBT) infrastructure that can handle not only major exams like NEET but also facilitate the online conduct of other significant entrance examinations across the country; however, a final decision regarding moving NEET-UG online has not yet been made.

The government's preparations extend beyond merely displaying question papers on computer screens. Efforts are being made to set up adequate examination centers nationwide, standardize their infrastructure, ensure reliable internet and electricity connectivity, and provide equitable testing conditions for students from diverse regions.

Why the move to conduct NEET online?
To date, NEET-UG has been conducted using the pen-and-paper format and OMR sheets. Approximately 2.5 million (25 lakh) candidates appear for this exam annually. Transitioning an examination of this magnitude to an online mode is a complex task. Consequently, the Ministry of Education is formulating a national CBT infrastructure strategy to increase the availability of examination centers across the country and establish necessary standards for them. According to a senior Ministry official, the strategy aims to bridge geographical disparities in the availability of centers and ensure uniform standards. Various sources will be utilized to provide the requisite infrastructure for this initiative.

Will simply installing computers make NEET an online exam? Conducting NEET in CBT (Computer-Based Test) mode implies more than simply displaying the current paper-based question paper on a computer screen; the government will need to overhaul the entire examination system to facilitate this. First, it must assess how many exam centers across the country can accommodate a large number of candidates taking the test on computers simultaneously. Additionally, these centers would require standardized computers and essential equipment, reliable internet connectivity, backup power arrangements, and robust security measures. Furthermore, considerations are being made regarding the sequence of transitioning from offline to online modes, the number of phases for this shift, and which regions should be prioritized for infrastructure readiness.

**Focus on Students from Villages and Small Towns**

A major concern regarding the plan to conduct NEET online involves candidates residing in areas with limited internet access and a scarcity of exam centers. The government is evaluating the potential impact of the shift to CBT on students from rural areas, female candidates, and students in districts with poor internet connectivity. This indicates that the online examination framework is being designed not merely for technical feasibility but also to ensure that candidates across different regions face relatively equitable conditions when taking the exam.

**Decision on Online NEET Pending**

While work towards conducting NEET-UG online is underway, a final decision has not yet been reached. The government is awaiting recommendations from the high-powered task force chaired by Nandan Nilekani. Established in July, this task force is mandated to suggest comprehensive reforms regarding the conduct, security, design, and administration of public examinations. Its scope includes examinations administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The task force is addressing issues such as exam security, technology, infrastructure, accessibility, and inclusivity.

**Who is the Nilekani Panel Consulting?**

The task force led by Nilekani is consulting with experts and stakeholders to formulate its recommendations. According to a report by *The Indian Express*, the task force has also sought advice from former ISRO Chairman K. Radhakrishnan. Radhakrishnan previously headed the committee constituted to suggest reforms for the NTA following the 2024 NEET-UG paper leak. These consultations by the new task force are part of a process aimed at bringing about sweeping changes to the NTA and the country's examination system.

Discussions on Exam Reforms Following the 2024 NEET Paper Leak
The idea of ​​conducting NEET online is not new; the proposal to hold the medical entrance exam in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode has surfaced several times in the past. However, preparations in this direction are now underway at a time when there is a strong emphasis on major reforms to the national examination system in the wake of the 2024 NEET-UG paper leak. The government is considering wide-ranging changes to strengthen exam security and the entire examination process.

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