NEET-UG to Transition to Computer-Based Format Next Year, Announces Education Minister

In a significant shift for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG), Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced on Friday that the examination will be conducted in a computer-based format starting next year. This decision comes in the wake of a tumultuous examination period, particularly following the cancellation of the May 3 test due to serious allegations of a paper leak.

The NEET-UG, which is crucial for students aspiring to gain admission into undergraduate medical programs across India, saw participation from over 22 lakh candidates this year. Pradhan emphasized that the cancellation aimed to uphold the integrity of the examination and to protect the interests of meritorious students. He acknowledged the failures in the examination process, stating that there was a “breach” in the command chain despite the implementation of recommendations from the Radhakrishnan committee.

The high-level committee, chaired by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan, was established to address concerns regarding paper leaks and the issuance of irregular grace marks in the NEET-UG exam. It had submitted around 95 recommendations aimed at reforming the examination process. However, the situation escalated when it was discovered that a “guess paper,” containing over 400 questions, had circulated prior to the May 3 examination. Investigations by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group revealed that around 120 questions from this guess paper closely mirrored those on the actual test.

The government’s commitment to reform the examination process is now more pronounced than ever. Pradhan stated, “We accept our mistakes and take responsibility to improve our systems.” This acknowledgment reflects a broader commitment to enhance the credibility of medical admissions in India, which has faced scrutiny over the years due to various controversies surrounding the NEET.

As the transition to a computer-based format is set to take place, educational experts are hopeful that this move will mitigate the risks of paper leaks and ensure a more transparent examination process. The government’s proactive approach indicates a willingness to embrace technology in education, aligning with global trends in standardized testing. Stakeholders, including students and educators, will be closely watching how these changes unfold in the upcoming NEET-UG examinations.

Source: scroll.in