Education Ministry discusses NEET exam’s online shift

The NEET UG exam might soon be conducted online, with a final decision expected soon, according to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Discussions are ongoing between the education and health ministries, and the reforms could roll out by 2025.

Currently, NEET UG — India’s largest medical entrance exam — is conducted offline, with candidates answering multiple-choice questions on OMR sheets. This year, over 24 lakh aspirants appeared for the test, competing for around 1.08 lakh MBBS seats across the country.

The idea of switching NEET to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format isn’t new but has gained momentum after recent controversies. Allegations of paper leaks and irregularities during NEET and other



national exams like NET have led to increased scrutiny.

The education ministry has already held two rounds of talks with the health ministry, led by Union Minister JP Nadda. Pradhan noted, “The administrative ministry of NEET is the health ministry, and hence we are in talks with them... Whatever option will be considered best suited for conducting the exam, NTA is ready to undertake the exercise.”

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts NEET every year for MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses. With the rising number of candidates and security concerns, transitioning to online exams may enhance efficiency and reduce malpractice.

The finalised NEET UG 2025 syllabus was also released recently.