NEET UG 2025: Single Shift Examination In Pen-and-Paper Mode
NEET UG 2025: NTA mandates examination in pen-and-paper mode, in single day and in single shift.
The NTA has been conducting NEET (UG) since 2019 on behalf National Medical Commission.
Last year, NEET faced significant backlash over concerns about its legitimacy. As a result, there was speculation that the NTA might conduct the exam as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) in online mode.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NEET (UG) was conducted in two shifts only for the year 2020. This was done to ensure social distancing and safety measures.
Though after the pandemic, NEET (UG) reverted to being conducted in a single shift.
On 16th January, 2025 NTA released a notice that NEET (UG) 2025 will be conducted in Pen and Paper mode (OMR based) in single day and single shift.
Why was online mode speculated for NEET UG 2025?
NEET UG 2025 was speculated to shift to online mode, because of controversies surrounding NEET 2024 examination.
Paper leaks and some other irregularities spiked concerns for legitimacy. Parents and students bashed NTA for not promising authenticity. This lead to a lack of trust in traditional pen and paper mode.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) aimed to enhance security by minimizing human intervention, and reduce the risk of malpractice. Therefore, a possibility of shifting to a computer-based test arose.
Another measure that would’ve taken place was conducting the examination in two phases Prelims and Mains.
This would ensure that only qualified candidates proceed to the final selection stage. The chances discrepancies are hence reduced.
Why was online mode not opted for NEET UG 2025?
The National Commission Act, 2019, mandates that NEET UG to be a common and uniform test.
- Uniformity Across Institutions:
It might have seemed significantly challenging for the commission to implement online mode in every institution in a short amount of time. As this is a very complex and important decision to make.
Therefore, it was decided to opt for traditional pen-and-paper mode. This would confirm uniformity in evaluation and accessibility.
- Simplicity for Logistical Data:
It is feasible to conduct the exam in a single day and within a single shift.
The OMR-based format will reduce complexities related to logistics.
- Accessibility:
Shifting to CBT mode would have required advanced digital infrastructure. Comprehensive staff training would also pose a challenge. In addition to this, such resources may not have been available in rural and underprivileged areas.
These discrepancies might develop significant concerns for the candidates from such regions. This could also affect the fairness and inclusivity of the examination.
- Issues with Digital Testing:
When implementing examination through an online mode, it is crucial to ensure that there are no technical glitches in the system.
Along with this, a well-established data security is important which could not be implemented this promptly across all institutions. A concern regarding data breaches and malpractices further reinforced the decision.
As a result, the NEET UG 2025 decided to stick to their traditional offline mode for high-stakes examinations, prioritizing reliability, and security.
What’s more to NEET UG 2025?
The NEET (UG) has to be conducted as a common examination for admission to undergraduate medical education in all medical institutions, according to Section 14 of National Medical Commission Act, 2019.
Additionally, Section 14 of National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020 also mandates that, a uniform NEET (UG) should be conducted for admission to undergraduate courses in the below mentioned disciplines:
- BAMS: Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery
- BUMS: Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery
- BSMS: Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery
Section 14 of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020, mandates a uniform NEET (UG) for admission to these courses in all institutions governed under the Act.
Under the National Commission for Homeopathy, NEET (UG) shall also be applicable to admission to the BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery) course .
MNS (Military Nursing Service) aspirants seeking admission to B.Sc. Nursing Courses being conducted at Armed Forces Medical Service Hospitals for the year 2025 are required to qualify for NEET (UG).
The NEET (UG) score will be used for shortlisting for selection to the four-year B-Sc. Nursing course.
For additional information regarding NEET (UG) – 2025, candidates are advised contact or email at neetug2025@:nta.ac.in
The candidates may refer to the website: https://neet.nta.nic.in/ regularly for further updates.
You can also visit our website for recent updates regarding NEET here.
Also read:
NEET UG 2025: NTA Releases an Important Notification Regarding APAAR ID