NEET UG 2027: Pen-and-Paper Exam May Continue as Southern States Oppose CBT Shift

NEET UG 2027 exam may possibly be conducted via the pen-and-paper method, given that the Center takes into account the apprehensions of some states in the south against moving the exam to the computer-based test (CBT).

According to reports in the source, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are said to have resisted the change from pen-and-paper to CBT. One suggestion being considered is the hybrid exam pattern, wherein candidates will be allowed to appear for NEET UG in both computer-based test or pen-and-paper form.

But the mode of exam for NEET UG 2027 has not yet been announced as a definite one from the source. The Center plans to adopt a slow transition to CBTs to give time to states and students to get ready.

Why Are States Opposing CBT for NEET UG 2027?

Both Tamil Nadu and Kerala are worried about the digital divide that might come into play when it comes to NEET UG exams being fully held online.

Rural or remote area students may not have access to computers and good connectivity or suitable test centers compared to the students living in urban areas. There is an apprehension that a drastic switch to CBT would result in problems for the candidates from economically weaker sections of society.

Another issue raised by the states is the importance given to school board scores.

Tamil Nadu Raises Concerns Over NEET

It is reported that the Tamil Nadu State Government has taken into consideration the observations made by the Justice A.K. Rajan Committee on the effects of NEET on the students, inclusive of those studying in government schools and Tamil-medium education.

It has also drawn attention towards the disparity between the syllabi of the state board and the Central Board of Secondary Education. Since most of the national exams are based on the CBSE curriculum, students of state boards may find it difficult.

Centre Considers Gradual Shift to Computer-Based Testing

Instead of making an abrupt move towards CBT, the Centre is contemplating a gradual approach towards implementing CBT.

This will ensure that the students get more time to adjust to the process of taking computer-based tests. This gradual approach will also provide enough time to various states and exam bodies to create the necessary infrastructure for holding a massive online NEET test.

A possibility in this regard can be to conduct the NEET exam in different shifts like the JEE.

Task Force Examining NEET UG Exam Reforms

A team of high-level experts led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani has been set up to look into the possibility of any changes being made in India’s examination system in view of the recent controversy over paper leakages.

As per the source, there are two stages in the recommendations of the task force, the first of which will deal with measures which can be taken for the NEET UG 2027 examination.

Will NEET UG 2027 Be Conducted in CBT Mode?

Currently, there is no confirmed information about the fact that NEET UG 2027 will adopt a full-fledged computer-based test.

Based on the above proposal, there might be a possibility to adopt either a gradual or a hybrid approach to accommodate the problems related to infrastructure and access before adopting the computer-based test.

In the long term, there can be plans regarding adopting the computer-based test, which can be followed by computer-adaptive testing.

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