Parliamentary panel suggests conducting NEET UG multiple times yearly (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare has recommended considering multiple National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET UG) examinations each year to protect students from losing an academic year due to disruptions such as paper leaks and cancellations.
The recommendation emerged during a meeting on Wednesday where officials from the National Testing Agency (NTA), National Medical Commission (NMC), and the Union Health and Education Ministries briefed lawmakers on the recent NEET paper leak controversy and preparations for the re-examination scheduled for June 21.
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Members of Parliament raised concerns over repeated allegations of paper leaks, noting that similar controversies had surfaced in both 2024 and 2026.
Lawmakers questioned officials on accountability mechanisms and whether current penalties are sufficient to deter future breaches. They also sought clarity on who should be held responsible when such incidents compromise the integrity of a national-level examination.
Officials informed the committee that authorities became aware of the latest leak four days after it occurred. While they could not confirm that the entire paper had been leaked, they said there was enough evidence to establish that certain questions had been compromised.
One of the key reforms discussed was the possibility of transitioning NEET to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format from the next examination cycle.
However, MPs flagged several challenges, particularly for students from rural and remote regions. Concerns were raised regarding infrastructure, digital accessibility, and ensuring availability of the examination in multiple regional languages.
Members also questioned whether a digital format would completely eliminate the possibility of leaks and sought details on cybersecurity safeguards.
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A major suggestion that received broad support was conducting NEET two or three times annually. Committee members argued that students should not be forced to lose an entire academic year because of administrative failures or security lapses beyond their control.
The proposal aims to provide greater flexibility and reduce the impact of unforeseen disruptions on candidates' academic futures.
The committee also discussed vulnerabilities linked to third-party examination centres and urged authorities to strengthen monitoring systems.
Officials said they are currently reviewing loopholes in the examination process and evaluating reforms that could improve transparency, security and fairness in future NEET examinations.
