NEET: Southern states oppose CBT shift, full online transition may wait until 2028: Report

New Delhi: The proposed shift to computer-based testing (CBT) for the NEET UG has faced opposition from southern states, raising concerns.

The states, particularly Tamil Nadu and Kerala, have flagged the digital divide and its possible impact on students from rural areas and disadvantaged backgrounds.

The states cited that CBT may impact rural students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds and that students in rural and remote areas may not have the same access to computers, reliable internet connectivity, and exam facilities as those in urban areas.

The proposed shift to computer-based testing (CBT) for the NEET UG may be delayed, with a full transition until 2028-29, with the Centre considering a hybrid examination format for 2027. The hybrid arrangement may allow candidates to take the examination either online or in the traditional pen-and-paper format, addressing concerns raised by states over access to digital facilities, as reported by the Economic Times.

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The southern states have also called for greater weightage to school board marks and suitable mechanisms to ensure equivalence among different education boards. They have raised concerns that students from state boards may face disadvantages because national entrance exams largely follow the CBSE syllabus.

Therefore, the Centre is reportedly considering a gradual transition to CBT to give students time to become familiar with the online examination format and allow states to develop the required testing infrastructure.

Tamil Nadu has reportedly referred to the findings of the Justice A.K. Rajan Committee report of 2021, which examined the impact of NEET on students from government schools, Tamil-medium backgrounds and disadvantaged communities.

The proposed changes are being examined by a high-powered task force headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani.

The High-Powered Task Force (HPTF) has categorized its recommendations into two segments. The long-term measures for the exam reforms will become effective from the 2028-29 cycle. Meanwhile, immediate measures are being planned for 2027, which are expected to involve a combination of the pen-and-paper format and computer-based testing (CBT). Under the new framework, NEET-UG could adopt a multi-shift CBT format similar to that of the JEE, while still offering the traditional examination. The structure of the JEE will remain unchanged for 2027. The goal is ultimately to shift NEET-UG to a fully computer-based format, moving towards Computer Adaptive Testing in the next few years, adds ET.

The panel has reportedly received more than 54,000 suggestions and feedback from students, parents and other stakeholders. It is also expected to hold consultations with state governments before finalising its recommendations.

Medical Dialogues had reported that the Centre has extended the tenure of the Nandan Nilekani-led high-powered task force on examination reforms till January 2027, giving the panel additional time to complete its consultations and submit its recommendations. The panel's tenure was till October 2027. Constituted in July following the controversy over the NEET paper leak and subsequent student protests, the six-member task force was set up on the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to suggest measures to make the country's examination system more secure and prevent question paper leaks.

Also read- NEET: Over 50k suggestions received- Nilekani-led panel gets extension to submit exam reforms report