Pralhad Joshi reviews NTA’s exam security, CBT infrastructure ahead of possible NEET-UG shift

The Ministry of Education, with senior officials of the National Testing Agency (NTA), has recently reviewed the preparations for the upcoming national-level examinations. They were giving particular attention to exam security, facilities for candidates and better coordination among agencies who are involved in conducting exams.

In a post on X, Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Education, requested, “timely communication, efficient conduct of tests and a seamless experience for students and aspirants.” The Ministry also had another meeting with senior Higher Education Department officials, where they discussed important issues in higher education like how colleges and universities can encourage innovation and focus more on students.

The government is working to boost Computer-Based Testing (CBT) infrastructure across the country. The plan is also part of discussions about changing National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) from pen-and-paper to computer-based testing mode.

The proposed plan will increase the number of exam centres and improve their infrastructure. The Ministry will also ensure that candidates in different parts of the country have availability of proper exam centres.

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NEET-UG CBT shift needs more exam centres

NEET-UG is held using pen-and-paper tests and Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets. The government is thinking it to shift it to CBT mode. The final decision is still pending and is expected after the High-Powered Task Force on examination reforms shares its recommendations.

The proposed change would mean that the exam will be conducted in the online mode. The government would also check the availability of computer-based test centres, internet connectivity and other facilities which are required to hold the exam online on a large scale.

The government is also reviewing whether holding the exam online would cause any difficulties to the candidates in rural and remote areas. They will also have to make sure that the students have nearby exam centres and internet facilities before the NEET-UG exam can be shifted online.

The task force, led by Nandan Nilekani, was set up to suggest reforms related to the conduct, security, design and management of public examinations, including those that the NTA conducts.

The National Testing Agency already conducts many major exams in CBT mode, which include Joint Entrance Examination Mains (JEE Main), Common University Entrance Test - Undergraduate (CUET-UG), University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) and others.