The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to move the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) to a computer-based format in the near future, according to a statement by its director general, Abhishek Singh. Speaking on Sunday, Singh confirmed that the shift toward digital testing would happen "very soon," aligning NEET with several other major competitive examinations already conducted online.
Singh pointed out that exams such as the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), Staff Selection Commission (SSC) tests, Common University Entrance Test (CUET), and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) admission test have already been transitioned to computer-based testing (CBT). "CBT is the future," he stated, adding that all forthcoming NTA-conducted examinations would follow the same digital model in the coming months and years.
The push for computer-based NEET comes amid growing concerns about malpractice and paper leakage in India's high-stakes entrance exams. Following a serious paper leak incident linked to NEET last year, the NTA constituted a high-powered task force under the leadership of renowned technology expert Nandan Nilekani. The panel was tasked with examining vulnerabilities in the current exam delivery system and recommending concrete steps to prevent future leaks.
A key focus of the digital conversion effort is also the threat posed by artificial intelligence to examination integrity. Singh acknowledged that the agency is actively working on measures to curb cheating through AI tools, including deepfake technology and generative AI platforms that could potentially be used to bypass assessment systems. The agency has been exploring biometric verification, remote proctoring solutions, and blockchain-based question paper management as part of its broader anti-cheating strategy.
Experts say the CBT transition will not only reduce the risk of physical paper leaks but also enable faster result declaration and more efficient candidate screening. However, critics have raised concerns about whether candidates from rural and semi-urban areas, who may have limited exposure to computer-based testing, will face a disadvantage during the initial transition period. The NTA has not yet announced a specific date for the implementation of CBT for NEET.
