Background
NEET-UG is the national-level entrance examination for undergraduate medical education in India and is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
The 2026 examination involved allegations and controversies surrounding question-paper leaks, affecting an examination in which nearly 23 lakh candidates had registered.
Following the controversy, the government constituted expert mechanisms to examine weaknesses in examination security and NTA's functioning.
An earlier High-Level Committee of Experts (HLCE) had recommended moving major NTA examinations towards the Computer-Based Test (CBT) system.
In May 2026, the NTA had indicated that it was prepared to implement CBT from the following examination cycle, in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the client ministry for NEET-UG.
Subsequently, the government indicated that the final decision on the mode of examination would take into account the recommendations of the Nilekani-led task force.
Features
Shift from pen-and-paper to CBT.
NEET-UG could move from the traditional OMR-based written examination to a computer-based examination.
The objective is to strengthen examination security, technology integration and monitoring.
Nilekani-led technological reform
The task force headed by Nandan Nilekani has been examining technological solutions for making public examinations more secure and efficient.
Its report is expected to guide the government's final approach to CBT.
Structural reform of NTA
The Supreme Court has emphasised that reform should not be limited to examination technology.
It has called for:
Permanent offices and infrastructure
Greater proportion of permanent employees
At least half of the NTA workforce to consist of permanent staff
Specialised personnel and domain expertise
Strong institutional memory despite transfers of officials
Functional verticals
The NTA is reportedly transitioning from exam-specific units to functional verticals.
This would enable specialised capabilities in areas such as:
Examination administration
Technology and digitisation
Cybersecurity
Question-paper management
Data management
Examination logistics
Judicial monitoring
The Supreme Court has indicated that it may personally inspect NTA offices to assess whether reforms are actually functioning.
The Court has questioned when recommendations made by various committees would translate into actual institutional changes.
Challenges
Cybersecurity Risk – CBT may reduce physical paper-leak risks but creates vulnerabilities such as hacking, malware, server attacks and unauthorised access.
Digital Infrastructure Gap – Conducting an examination for lakhs of candidates requires adequate computers, reliable internet, uninterrupted power and secure examination centres across the country.
Digital Divide – Students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds may have less familiarity with computer-based examinations and digital infrastructure.
Large-Scale Execution – NEET involves millions of candidates; simultaneous or multi-shift CBT requires highly reliable servers, scheduling and technical support.
Institutional Weakness of NTA – Heavy dependence on deputed personnel can result in weak institutional memory and accountability.
Manpower Shortage – NTA needs sufficient permanent and specialised staff in cybersecurity, IT, examination management and data security.
Transition Risk – A rapid shift from OMR to CBT without adequate pilots and mock tests could create technical and operational problems.
Data Privacy – Large-scale collection and storage of candidate information creates risks of data breaches and misuse.
Way Forward
“Technology + Institution + Accountability” approach
Phased transition to CBT
Conduct pilots and mock examinations before full-scale implementation.
Test systems under peak-load conditions.
Strengthen NTA's permanent workforce
Build a stable cadre of technically and administratively specialised personnel.
Reduce excessive dependence on deputation.
Create specialised cybersecurity architecture
Independent security audits
Encryption
Multi-factor authentication
Real-time threat monitoring
Regular penetration testing
Strengthen examination-centre infrastructure
Adequate computers
Backup servers and power
Redundant connectivity
Disaster-recovery mechanisms
Independent oversight
Establish clear accountability mechanisms.
Regular audits of examination processes and technology.
Candidate-centric transition
Provide practice tests and familiarisation programmes.
Ensure accessibility for candidates with disabilities.
Maintain robust grievance-redressal mechanisms.
Institutional memory
Develop specialised functional verticals within NTA.
Ensure continuity of expertise even when individual officials are transferred.
Conclusion
This proposed changeover of NEET-UG from paper test to CBT is just a part of the whole examination system reform process in India. It can be seen from the remarks made by the Supreme Court that technology should be secure, along with having institutional stability, manpower, specialised skills, and also accountability. Thus, the problem is not simply about "paper or computer," but rather creating a secure and reliable examination system.
