Key Facts:
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET (UG), formerly the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT), is an Indian nationwide entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission in undergraduate medical programs.
In 2024, more than 24 lakh candidates appeared for the NEET-UG exam, the largest entrance exam in India.
Prime Highlights:
A total of 108,000 MBBS seats are available in India, with 56,000 in government institutions and 52,000 in private colleges.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) confirms NEET-UG will continue to be conducted in OMR-based pen and paper format after deliberations between the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health.
Key Background:
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has confirmed that the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Undergraduates (NEET-UG) will continue to be conducted in the pen and paper format for the time being. This decision follows extensive discussions between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, with input from the National Medical Commission (NMC).
The NEET-UG is the largest entrance examination in India, attracting over 24 lakh candidates annually. In 2024, a record number of applicants participated in the exam, which serves as the gateway to medical courses such as MBBS, BDS, and other allied health disciplines. The exam is crucial for securing one of the 108,000 MBBS seats available across India, split between government and private institutions.
The deliberations on whether to switch NEET-UG to an online format were driven by a desire for greater efficiency and transparency. However, following careful consideration, it was decided that the existing pen-and-paper method (OMR-based) will remain in place for the time being. The exam will continue to be conducted in a single day and shift, as per the NMC’s decision.
The discussion regarding a shift to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) has been ongoing, particularly in light of last year’s paper leak controversy, which heightened concerns about the exam’s integrity. To address these concerns, the Centre established a high-level panel in July 2024 to ensure the exam’s transparent and fair conduct. The panel, chaired by former ISRO Chief R. Radhakrishnan, suggested the possibility of multi-stage testing for NEET-UG, a proposal which will be further explored.
While reforms in the examination process continue to be considered, the continued use of the pen and paper mode aims to mitigate risks and maintain fairness in a high-stakes environment. Both
the CBI and the Centre are investigating irregularities in NEET and other related exams to ensure integrity moving forward.
