The Professional Teachers' Association has demanded that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) be conducted twice a year in multiple shifts through a computer-based online format to prevent future leaks and malpractice. The association, which represents private coaching class owners in Maharashtra, made this demand on Wednesday.
Demands for Stronger Security and Transparency
The association called for stronger digital security systems and greater transparency in the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA). It also urged the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure speedy punishment for all accused in the NEET paper leak case.
Support for Online Format Shift
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has already announced that NEET would shift to an online format next year. The association believes that conducting the examination in multiple sessions instead of a single day would significantly reduce the chances of paper leaks.
"The future of more than 22 lakh students cannot be put at risk because of a criminal racket. The examination system must be modernized and create fear of law among those involved in such crimes," said Prashant Kasar, president of the association.
Strong Condemnation of Malpractice
The association strongly condemned the alleged leak and large-scale malpractice linked to the medical entrance examination. It maintained that strict action should be taken even if coaching class operators are found involved. "The association will not support any coaching class owner found guilty. Honest students and sincere coaching institutes are suffering because of the actions of a few people," said Mohan Gavade, secretary of the association.
Call for Fast-Track Courts and Multiple Exam Slots
The association demanded that all accused identified during the ongoing CBI probe must be arrested and given the strictest punishment. It proposed that NEET have multiple examination slots with percentile-based normalization of scores. This system would make the examination process more secure and reduce dependence on a single high-stakes exam day.
The statement comes amid continuing outrage over the NEET paper leak case, which has once again raised concerns about the credibility and security of competitive examinations.
