NEET-UG Exam: CBT mode on hold until Nandan Nilekani task force submits recommendations
NEET UG Exam CBT Mode Postponed Until Nilekani Committee Report
Bharatmorningnews.com – The NEET UG Exam is currently experiencing a significant transition period as the Central government has officially announced that the computer-based testing (CBT) mode remains on hold. This important decision was communicated to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, August 4, indicating that a final verdict on adopting digital examination format for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for undergraduate medical admissions has not yet been reached. The complete transition to CBT is now expected to begin in 2027, providing additional time for proper implementation and evaluation.
According to a detailed affidavit submitted by the Department of Higher Education, the government’s approach to moving away from the traditional pen-and-paper examination system toward comprehensive digital testing will primarily depend on recommendations from a specialized high-level committee. This committee, headed by Nandan Nilekani, the renowned co-founder of Infosys, has been tasked with reviewing various aspects of the examination process. The legal filing was presented before the apex court during its consideration of multiple petitions concerning examination improvements and a recent significant paper leak incident that affected the NEET-UG 2026 examination.
Examining Two-Stage Format Options
Addressing judicial concerns about maintaining examination integrity and fairness, the government noted that transitioning to a computer-based approach—potentially through a single-stage or dual-stage structure similar to the Joint Entrance Examination—is currently being thoroughly evaluated by all relevant stakeholders. This evaluation process involves careful consideration of logistical requirements, technological infrastructure, and student convenience factors.
The affidavit clarified that no definitive schedule has been established for this major shift in examination methodology, as the final determination awaits the comprehensive input from the Nilekani committee. This cautious approach ensures that all potential challenges are identified and addressed before implementing changes that will affect millions of medical aspirants across India.
Important Court Hearing Scheduled
This submission precedes the August 6 court session, where appeals lodged by the Federation of All India Medical Association alongside the United Doctors Front and other medical organizations will be heard. These organizations have been actively advocating for examination reforms and transparency in the medical entrance testing process.
Earlier in May, former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan revealed ambitious plans for the National Testing Agency to administer the NEET UG Exam through computer-based testing beginning the following year, replacing the traditional Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheet method. This proposed change represented a significant modernization effort aimed at reducing errors and improving efficiency in the examination process.
“It will take around 20 shifts to manage around 2.2 million NEET candidates, and we will have to follow the normalisation process to ensure fairness to all students,” NTA director general Abhishek Singh stated at the time, noting that written authorization from the health ministry would be required for full implementation of the CBT system.
Leadership Transition and Future Outlook
Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from his ministerial role in July 2026, marking a significant change in the education sector’s leadership. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has since assumed the additional responsibilities of Education Minister, while continuing to oversee consumer affairs, food and public distribution, and new and renewable energy portfolios. This transition has brought fresh perspectives to the ongoing examination reform initiatives.
The delay in implementing CBT mode for the NEET UG Exam reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and effective transition. With the Nilekani committee’s recommendations expected to provide comprehensive guidance, stakeholders remain optimistic about the future of medical entrance examinations in India. The additional time will allow for thorough testing of technological infrastructure and proper training of examination centers across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the NEET UG Exam switch to CBT mode?
The computer-based testing mode for the NEET UG Exam is expected to begin in 2027, pending the recommendations from the Nandan Nilekani task force committee.
What is the role of the Nilekani committee?
The Nandan Nilekani-led committee has been tasked with reviewing the examination process and providing recommendations on transitioning to computer-based testing for the NEET UG Exam.
How many candidates will the CBT system accommodate?
The NTA has planned for approximately 20 shifts to manage around 2.2 million NEET candidates during the computer-based testing phase.
What happens if there are technical issues during CBT?
The NTA will follow a normalization process to ensure fairness to all students, with written authorization from the health ministry required for implementation.
Papri Chanda serves as Deputy Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital. An education journalist with more than twelve years of professional experience, she has covered education policy, examinations, and higher education across various media outlets.