The Union ministry of education is developing a nationwide Computer-Based Testing (CBT) infrastructure strategy to facilitate the transition of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) from pen-and-paper to online mode, officials said.

The strategy aims to improve the availability of examination centres across regions, standardise infrastructure requirements and enable the migration of entrance examinations to CBT mode. The ministry is considering a multi-model sourcing architecture to implement the plan.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts NEET-UG, already administers several examinations, including JEE-Main, CUET-UG and PG, UGC-NET and CSIR UGC-NET, in computer-based mode.

The proposed transition of NEET-UG is under consideration, with the ministry examining infrastructure requirements, implementation timelines and the implications for candidates in rural areas, women and those living in districts with limited internet connectivity.

However, the recommendations of a high-level task force on examination reforms, along with consultations with the health ministry and the National Medical Commission, are awaited before a final decision is taken.

The task force, headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, was constituted following the NEET-UG paper leak and subsequent student protests. It is tasked with recommending reforms to prevent examination leaks and improve the conduct of public examinations. The panel has yet to submit its report.

NEET-UG is conducted annually for admission to undergraduate medical courses, including MBBS, dentistry, Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha. Nearly 25 lakh candidates appear for the examination each year.

Also Read: Students protest in Latur, accuse Dipke of abandoning NEET issue