National Testing Agency (NTA) has released a notice that the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2025 will be held in the conventional pen-and-paper (OMR-based) mode. The test is to be conducted in a single day across a single shift, ensuring uniformity and consistency for all candidates.
NEET-UG is a common entrance examination for undergraduate medical courses such as MBBS and BDS and AYUSH courses like – BAMS, BUMS, BSMS, and BHMS. The choice to stick with pen-and-paper format is made in the context of debates to move toward a computer based testing (CBT) system, following the incident of the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak.
In 2024, NEET registered an all time high level of entry (over 24 lakh) of candidates to competing for about 1,08,000 MBBS seats spread across the country, with 56,000 seats in government colleges and 52,000 in private colleges. This exam also serves as an entrance for Dentistry, Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy Courses.
The 2024 paper leak controversy led to increased attention to the assessment process. The Supreme Court recognised that the breach has taken place, but declined to implement a nationwide retest, highlighting both that such retest is necessary as well as the need for secure procedures in the context of retesting.
Despite these challenges, the NTA’s decision to maintain the traditional examination format for NEET-UG 2025 reflects a commitment to ensuring a secure and fair assessment process for all candidates. However, the NTA’s decision to maintain the traditional examination structure for NEET-UG 2025 indicates a prioritization of secure and fair assessment for all students.
Key Highlights from the Notice
- Uniform Examination Format: NEET UG remains the single entrance test for admissions to undergraduate courses in MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH disciplines (BAMS, BUMS, BSMS, and BHMS).
- Inclusion of B.Sc. Nursing: Aspirants for B.Sc. Nursing in Military Nursing Service (MNS) hospitals must also qualify NEET UG for selection to the four-year course.
- Examination Mode and Schedule: The 2025 NEET UG examination will be held in pen-and-paper format (OMR-based), ensuring consistency with previous years. It will be conducted on a single day and in one shift to maintain uniformity.
Implications for Candidates
This announcement comes as a significant update for over 18 lakh students preparing for the examination. The paper-pencil mode continues to be the preferred format, maintaining transparency and accessibility for candidates from diverse backgrounds. The single-day examination ensures logistical simplicity and fairness in the evaluation process.
Read Also:
