India could begin rolling out a computer-based version of the NEET-UG entrance examination as early as 2027, marking what would be one of the largest changes to the country's medical admissions process in decades. During recent hearings before the Supreme Court, the central government made it clear that while no final decision has been taken, the shift is being actively discussed at the highest levels of policy-making.
The matter came up when a bench sought clarity on the timeline for implementing computer-based testing across all centres. The court expressed concern over delays in execution and asked the government to specify when reforms would actually reach students on the ground.
At the centre of the proposed change is a high-level committee formed under the aegis of the government, headed by former UIDAI chief N. Ramachandran Rau. Known colloquially as the Nilekani task force, the body was constituted to study and recommend modernisation measures for national-level examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Sources indicate the committee aims to finalise its report by the end of September, which would include proposals for digital delivery of the exam alongside other structural reforms.
Currently, NEET-UG is administered entirely through pen-and-paper methodology. Millions of aspirants sit for the exam annually at thousands of centres across the country, with physical question booklets and answer sheets. A transition to computer-based testing would require significant infrastructure upgrades, including availability of computers, stable power and internet connectivity, and extensive training for both staff and candidates.
Legal counsel appearing for the government reaffirmed that the committee's recommendations would be carefully reviewed before any operational shift is announced. The court was also reminded that student interests remain paramount and no abrupt changes would be introduced without adequate preparation time and transparency.
