NEET reform on agenda: Parliamentary panel backs multi-phase exam, praises re-test security measures
New Delhi, July 1
A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports on Wednesday reviewed the conduct of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination and discussed a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the country's national-level entrance examination system.
The meeting focused on the management of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA), and measures to improve the security, transparency and efficiency of future examinations.
According to sources, members of the Parliamentary Committee proposed conducting separate entrance examinations for MBBS, AYUSH and Nursing courses to reduce the large number of candidates appearing for a single examination.
Responding to the suggestion, the NTA said that such a move would not be feasible at present, as admissions to all three programmes are currently based on NEET scores.
Sources said that the panel also recommended examining the possibility of conducting NEET in multiple phases across different states.
This will address the logistical challenges involved in organising a nationwide examination on a single day, the panel said.
The Parliamentary Committee, including its Chairperson Mukul Wasnik, appreciated the conduct of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination.
The panel praised the security measures taken during the re-test.
According to sources, the NTA informed members about a series of enhanced security measures adopted for the re-test.
Restricting access to Telegram, monitoring WhatsApp channels, and redesigning the question paper to improve security were some of the key measures. These initiatives were hailed by the chairperson as significant steps to make the examination process more secure and tamper resistant.
The panel also asserted that any future transition to a computer-based NEET should only be undertaken after ensuring adequate digital infrastructure is available across the country and all necessary preparations are completed well in advance to ensure equitable access for candidates, sources said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The security measures like restricting Telegram and monitoring WhatsApp are good steps, but what about rural candidates who don't have proper internet to even apply smoothly? The digital divide is real. We need robust offline infrastructure too!
As someone from the US who's followed Indian education news, I find the idea of separate exams for different medical fields interesting. But why not just improve the current system? Multiple tests mean more stress for students already under immense pressure.
The NTA says separate exams aren't feasible, but I think they should at least pilot it in a few states first. My cousin appeared for NEET last year and the crowding was insane. No wonder there are paper leaks! The system needs a complete overhaul, not just patches. 😤
I'm glad they're talking about digital infrastructure before moving to computer-based tests. In Canada, we had similar issues with online exams during COVID. Rushing into technology without proper preparation always hurts the most vulnerable students.
Multiple phases NEET is a good idea, but will it actually reduce the logistics nightmare? States like UP and Bihar have huge numbers, others less. Also, why not just make the paper harder to crack leaks instead of chasing Telegram channels? Prevention is better than surveillance!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.