NEET 2025 to Be Conducted in Pen Paper Mode Key Updates and Exam Reforms

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially announced that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2025 will be conducted in the traditional pen-and-paper mode. This decision follows the recommendations of a high-level expert panel reviewing the NTA’s conduct of exams. The government has assured the Supreme Court of implementing corrective measures to ensure transparency and fairness in the medical entrance exam.

NEET 2025 to Be Conducted in Pen Paper Mode Key Updates and Exam Reforms

Key Highlights of NEET 2025

Exam Mode: NEET 2025 will be conducted in offline mode using an Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheet.
Single-Day Exam: The test will be held on a single day in a single shift across the country.
NMC Decision: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has endorsed the pen-paper mode for better accessibility.
Government’s Assurance: The Centre has committed to implementing key recommendations from a seven-member expert panel.

Supreme Court’s Role in NEET Exam Reforms

On January 2, 2025, the Centre informed the Supreme Court that it would adopt all corrective measures proposed by an expert committee. This decision follows the controversy surrounding NEET-UG 2024, where allegations of paper leaks and malpractice surfaced. However, the Supreme Court, on August 2, 2024, ruled against annulling the exam, citing insufficient evidence of widespread irregularities.

Recommendations of the Expert Panel

The government formed a high-level committee on June 22, 2024, under the leadership of former ISRO chairperson K Radhakrishnan. The panel suggested multiple reforms to enhance transparency and efficiency in NEET-UG examinations:

Hybrid Exam Mode: Conducting NEET online or in a hybrid mode where feasible.
Avoiding Private Centres: Shifting exam centers to government institutions to reduce malpractice risks.
Two-Phase Exam Pattern: Introducing a new system where the exam is conducted in two phases for better accuracy and fairness.
Limited Attempts: Implementing restrictions on the number of attempts allowed for NEET-UG.

Why NTA Sticks to Pen-Paper Mode for NEET 2025?

Despite the recommendations, NTA has opted for an offline format for NEET 2025. Here’s why:

Accessibility: Many students, especially in rural areas, lack reliable internet access.
Technical Issues: Conducting an online exam nationwide requires advanced infrastructure, which is currently limited.
Fairness: Offline exams prevent digital malpractices and hacking concerns.
Student Familiarity: Students are already accustomed to the OMR-based format.
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Past NEET Controversies and Government Actions

NEET-UG 2024 faced significant scrutiny due to allegations of paper leaks and unfair practices. This led to widespread protests and legal challenges. However, the Supreme Court found no strong evidence to annul the exam, leading the government to introduce necessary reforms instead.

The formation of the expert panel was a direct response to these concerns, and its findings have influenced upcoming changes in NEET’s structure.

Also Read – ICAI May 2025 Exams Important Instructions for Students

How Will These Changes Impact Students?

With the continuation of the offline exam mode, students preparing for NEET 2025 should focus on:

OMR Sheet Practice: Since NEET remains pen-and-paper-based, mastering the OMR filling technique is crucial.
Time Management: Answering 200 questions efficiently in limited time requires strategic planning.
Adaptability: Students should stay updated with potential reforms in future exams.
Limited Attempts: If restrictions on attempts are implemented, aspirants need to plan their preparation effectively.

What Lies Ahead for NEET Aspirants?

The government’s commitment to transparency in medical entrance exams is a significant step forward. However, further discussions are needed on the hybrid model and two-phase exam pattern. Future changes may shift NEET towards an online format, aligning it with other national-level competitive exams.

Final Thoughts

NEET 2025 will continue in the traditional offline mode, ensuring familiarity for students. However, aspirants must stay informed about potential policy changes. The government’s efforts to refine the examination system reflect its commitment to fairness and transparency. Students should focus on strong preparation strategies and remain adaptable to any upcoming reforms.

With these new measures in place, NEET aspirants can expect a more structured and reliable examination process, paving the way for a fair medical entrance system in India.