NEET-UG 2027 Update: Medical Entrance Exam Likely to Shift to Computer-Based Mode from 2027

The NTA has informed the Supreme Court that it is prepared to conduct the NEET-UG examination in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode starting from the year 2027. Read on to learn about the upcoming changes, their potential impact on students, and all the latest updates regarding the examination.

A major change has emerged regarding NEET-UG, the country’s largest medical entrance examination. According to the news agency PTI, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has apprised the Supreme Court that it is ready to conduct the NEET-UG examination in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode starting in 2027. The objective behind this transition is reportedly to make the examination process more transparent, secure, and technologically robust.

Until now, the NEET-UG examination has been conducted in an offline ‘pen-and-paper’ mode. However, in the near future, students may be required to take the examination on a computer. The NTA has indicated that technical preparations are being expedited to ensure that the online examination system can be fully implemented by 2027.

What Transpired in the Supreme Court?

• The NTA informed the Supreme Court that it is prepared to conduct NEET-UG in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode starting from 2027.
• The agency stated that this decision would be taken following consultations with the Central Government and the Ministry of Health.
• A high-level expert committee has also recommended transitioning NEET-UG from the pen-and-paper mode to the CBT mode.
• The NTA further noted that almost all of its other major examinations are already being conducted in an online mode.

Students to Experience a New Examination Format

Once the CBT mode is implemented, students will be required to read questions on a screen and enter their answers online. This is expected to reduce the likelihood of errors associated with OMR sheets. Additionally, the process of declaring results may become faster than before. However, for many students, this digital examination system could also present a new challenge.

Focus on Security and Transparency

In recent years, incidents involving paper leaks and irregularities concerning the NEET examination have frequently been a subject of public discourse. In light of this, the NTA is now emphasizing the adoption of a technology-based examination system. The agency believes that online examinations will strengthen security arrangements and make the examination process more transparent.