Will the NEET-UG 2027 Exam be Held in CBT Mode? Preparations for New Testing Centers Intensify

Preparations to conduct the NEET-UG 2027 exam in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode have gained momentum. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has sought information from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) regarding the availability of computers, internet connectivity, and vacant space in government technical institutions.

Preparations to conduct NEET-UG 2027 in CBT mode are accelerating. The National Testing Agency (NTA), the body responsible for conducting the exam, has initiated the process of setting up new computer-based testing centers across the country. To this end, government technical institutions that already possess computers and other necessary IT infrastructure are being identified. According to sources close to the NTA, the agency has begun gathering information from the AICTE. The AICTE has requested details from government technical institutions under its purview regarding their available computers, internet facilities, and other technical infrastructure.

Testing Centers Being Sought in Government Colleges

NEET-UG is one of the country's largest medical entrance examinations, with lakhs of students appearing for it annually. Consequently, conducting the exam in CBT mode would require a large number of computer-based testing centers. The NTA is exploring the possibility of establishing new centers to meet this requirement. Sources indicate that the existing IT infrastructure in government engineering colleges and other technical institutions affiliated with the AICTE could be utilized for this purpose.

The AICTE has asked the relevant government institutions to provide details on the number of computers available. Additionally, information regarding the status of internet connectivity, computer labs, and other essential technical facilities has been requested.

Information on Vacant Space Also Sought

Details regarding available vacant space within the institutions are being collected alongside information on computers and internet connectivity. Institutions have been asked to specify how much space they have that is currently unused or could be utilized as an examination center. It is anticipated that based on this information, institutions capable of being developed into standard testing centers in the future will be identified.

Unlikely to designate small private institutes as centers

According to an NTA official, outsourcing the role of an examination center to small private institutes for the CBT (Computer-Based Test) would not be a straightforward option. Several critical parameters will be evaluated before finalizing an examination center. These include factors such as the number of computers, internet quality, power supply arrangements, system capacity during the exam, and available space within the institute. Additionally, the institute's capacity to handle a large number of students during the examination will be assessed. Merely having computers on the premises will not suffice to qualify an institute as a NEET-UG testing center; the NTA may evaluate the institute's technical capabilities and other essential facilities.

Final decision pending

However, a final decision regarding the shift of NEET-UG 2027 to the CBT mode and the selection of institutes to serve as examination centers is yet to be made. Currently, the process of gathering information on available facilities and space from various government technical institutes is underway.