Centre Considering Computer-Based NEET-UG, Tells Supreme Court Final Decision Pending
The Centre has told the Supreme Court that shifting NEET-UG to a computer-based format is under active consideration, but no final decision has been made. The government said it will decide after examining the recommendations of the Nandan Nilekani-led task force, which is reviewing reforms to make public examinations more secure and transparent.
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New Delhi: The Central Government has informed the Supreme Court that it is actively considering shifting the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) from the traditional pen-and-paper format to a computer-based test (CBT). However, the government clarified that no final decision has been taken yet and that the move will depend on the recommendations of a high-powered task force led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani.
The submission was made during a hearing before the Supreme Court, where the Centre said the proposal is under examination as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening India's public examination system following the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.
Nilekani Panel to Guide Decision
According to the Centre, the Nandan Nilekani-led task force has been constituted to recommend comprehensive reforms in the conduct of public examinations. The government said it would take a final call on introducing computer-based NEET only after reviewing the panel's report.
Focus on Transparency and Security
The proposal comes in the wake of concerns over examination security and paper leaks. The Centre has argued that a computer-based examination system could improve transparency, strengthen security measures, and reduce the chances of malpractice. It also pointed out that several major entrance examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), including JEE Main, are already held in CBT mode.
Court Informed About Ongoing Reforms
The government also informed the Supreme Court that it is implementing a series of examination reforms to improve the integrity of national-level entrance tests. Along with considering CBT for NEET-UG, the Centre is reviewing recommendations on strengthening examination infrastructure, cybersecurity, and overall administration.
No timeline has been announced for the possible transition, and the existing examination format will remain in place until a final decision is taken.