NEET-UG, the single exam that decides admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, veterinary and nursing courses across India, may eventually look very different from the pen-and-paper test aspirants have known for years. In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, the central government confirmed it is examining a two-stage exam format similar to JEE Main and JEE Advanced, alongside a possible move to computer-based testing (CBT). This came during ongoing court proceedings over alleged irregularities in the National Testing Agency's (NTA) conduct of exams. Nothing has been decided yet — but the fact that this is now formally on record before the court is significant for anyone planning to appear for NEET-UG in the coming years.
No change to NEET-UG's format has been finalised — the Centre has only confirmed a two-stage, computer-based model is under study, with any shift promised well in advance and only after expert review.
What the Centre actually told the court
The submission came as part of a case before the Supreme Court examining reforms to the NTA after allegations of question paper leaks in NEET-UG. The next hearing in this matter was listed for August 6.
In its affidavit, the government stated that authorities are studying whether NEET-UG should remain a single-stage exam or move to a two-stage structure — one screening round followed by a second, more selective round, similar to how JEE Main is followed by JEE Advanced for IIT admissions. Separately, a shift from the current pen-and-paper format to computer-based testing is also being evaluated.
Crucially, the Centre was clear that no final decision has been taken. Any roadmap will follow the recommendations of a High-Powered Task Force headed by Nandan Nilekani, set up specifically to suggest reforms to India's examination systems.
Why NEET-UG is the odd one out among NTA exams
The affidavit notes that seven of the eight major exams conducted by the NTA — including JEE Main, CUET-UG, CUET-PG, UGC-NET and CSIR-NET — have already shifted to computer-based, multi-session formats. NEET-UG is the last major national-level exam still conducted entirely on paper in a single sitting nationwide.
This is not accidental. NEET-UG is conducted for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and regulated under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, which means any change to its format needs sign-off from the Ministry and the National Medical Commission (NMC), not just the NTA. That adds a layer of consultation that other exams don't require.
Why NEET's scale makes this harder than it sounds
The government's own submission flags the scale problem: NEET-UG draws more than 22 lakh registrations every year, a majority from rural areas, with a large share of candidates being women. Running a computer-based exam for this many candidates in one or two sessions would require infrastructure — reliable centres, internet, and screens — at a scale India has not attempted for any single exam before.
Unlike JEE, which is taken largely by students already oriented towards competitive, tech-heavy engineering prep, NEET-UG's candidate base spans small towns and villages with far less exposure to computer-based test formats. This is exactly the kind of equity concern the task force has been asked to weigh before any change is recommended.
- 22 lakh+ candidates register for NEET-UG annually
- Majority of test-takers come from rural backgrounds
- NEET-UG feeds into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, veterinary science and nursing admissions — not just medicine
- Changing format means retraining lakhs of candidates, not just building new software
The task force behind the review
The panel examining these reforms is chaired by Nandan Nilekani and draws on experts from technology, space research, intelligence, academia and public administration. Its brief covers exam security, technology infrastructure, accessibility, equity and academic soundness — essentially, whether a new format can be delivered fairly and safely at NEET's scale before it is even proposed as policy.
This broad mandate suggests the government wants a single considered decision on exam security and format together, rather than a quick fix aimed only at preventing paper leaks.
What this means if you're preparing for NEET-UG right now
For students appearing in the immediate next NEET-UG cycle, there is no indication of an imminent format change. The Centre has explicitly assured the Supreme Court that candidates will be given adequate advance notice before any change to the exam's pattern or mode is implemented, precisely so no batch of aspirants is caught off guard mid-preparation.
That said, this is worth tracking over the next admission cycle or two. If a two-stage, computer-based NEET-UG is eventually approved, it would change how coaching institutes structure their courses, how much weight is given to speed versus accuracy, and possibly how counselling timelines are planned. Aspirants a year or two away from NEET should keep an eye on official NTA and Ministry of Health notifications rather than react to speculation.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
Has NEET-UG's exam pattern already changed?
No. As of now, NEET-UG continues to be a single-stage, pen-and-paper exam. The Centre has only told the Supreme Court that a two-stage, computer-based model is under review — not that it has been adopted.
Will this affect the very next NEET-UG exam?
There is nothing on record suggesting an immediate change to the upcoming cycle. The government has committed to giving advance notice before any new format is rolled out, so a sudden mid-year change is unlikely.
What would a 'two-stage' NEET-UG look like?
Based on the JEE Main–JEE Advanced comparison cited in the government's submission, it could mean a broader first-round exam followed by a tougher, more selective second round for candidates who clear the first — though exact design details have not been announced.
Why is NEET-UG still on paper when most other national exams are computer-based?
NEET-UG's scale (22 lakh+ candidates), its rural-heavy and gender-diverse candidate base, and the fact that it is jointly governed by the Ministry of Health and the National Medical Commission make it more complex to shift than exams run purely by the NTA.
Who decides if and when this change happens?
A High-Powered Task Force led by Nandan Nilekani is reviewing the technology, security, equity and academic implications. Its recommendations will feed into a decision that also requires consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the National Medical Commission.
Does this affect BDS, AYUSH, veterinary or nursing admissions too?
Yes — because NEET-UG is the common entrance test for all these courses, any change to its format or structure would apply across the board, not just to MBBS aspirants.
What should I do while this is being decided?
Continue preparing under the current exam pattern. Follow official NTA and Ministry of Health notifications for confirmed updates rather than acting on early reports, since no timeline for implementation has been announced.
This is a story to watch, not to react to — the Centre has been careful to stress that any change will come only after expert review and with advance warning to candidates. MedAdmit will track the Supreme Court proceedings and any task force recommendations closely and update aspirants the moment there is an official notification, not before.
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