NEET-UG to Go Fully Computer-Based From 2027, NTA Tells Supreme Court
Major examination reform aims to improve transparency, strengthen security, and prevent future paper leak controversies.
New Delhi, May 30, 2026: In a significant development for medical aspirants across India, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has informed the Supreme Court that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from 2027 onwards. The announcement comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the examination system following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy.
According to the affidavit submitted before the apex court, a High-Level Committee of Experts recommended the transition from the traditional pen-and-paper format to a fully digital examination model. The NTA stated that NEET remained the only major national entrance examination still operating in an offline format, while exams such as JEE Main, CUET, and UGC-NET have already adopted computer-based systems.
Education experts believe the move could significantly reduce the risk of question paper leaks, impersonation, and logistical challenges associated with conducting large-scale examinations. Authorities are also examining the possibility of introducing advanced security protocols, AI-powered monitoring systems, and multi-layer authentication mechanisms to ensure fairness and transparency.
The proposed transition is expected to impact more than 20 lakh medical aspirants annually. Coaching institutions have already begun discussing changes in preparation strategies, with students likely requiring greater familiarity with digital testing environments.
While the government has assured that adequate infrastructure will be developed before implementation, student groups have urged authorities to ensure equal access to computer facilities in rural and remote regions. The coming months are expected to witness detailed consultations between the Ministry of Education, National Medical Commission, and examination experts before final guidelines are issued.
The reform marks one of the biggest changes in India’s medical entrance examination system in recent years and is expected to reshape how future candidates prepare for one of the country’s most competitive tests.
