A parliamentary committee has recommended that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for undergraduate medical courses (NEET-UG) be conducted two or three times a year to address concerns over paper leaks and enhance the fairness of the examination process. The panel, chaired by Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav, was tasked with reviewing the conduct of NEET under the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019.
Key Recommendations
The committee's report, submitted to Parliament, suggests that holding the exam multiple times a year could reduce the risk of leaks by limiting the stakes associated with a single test date. It also proposed strengthening the cybersecurity infrastructure of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which administers NEET, and implementing stricter background checks on personnel involved in exam handling.
Background of the Review
The panel was formed after allegations of irregularities and a paper leak controversy marred the 2025 NEET-UG exam. Student protests and legal challenges prompted the government to seek a comprehensive review. The committee consulted with education experts, medical college representatives, and student groups before drafting its recommendations.
Other Suggestions
- Introduction of a centralized digital platform for question paper distribution and answer submission to minimize human intervention.
- Randomized allocation of exam centers and invigilators to prevent collusion.
- Enhanced transparency in the normalization process for multiple exam sessions.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is expected to examine the report and decide on implementation. If accepted, the changes could take effect from the 2027 academic session. The NTA has not yet commented on the proposals.
