Proposed Reforms to NEET-UG Include Age and Attempt Limits Amid Controversy
NTA considers age limit, attempt cap while steering clear of 'paper leak' term in NEET row
Moneycontrol
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The Indian government is considering significant reforms to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG), including an upper age limit and restrictions on attempts. These changes come after the cancellation of the 2026 exam due to allegations of question leaks, which officials deny. A shift to computer-based testing is also proposed as part of a broader reform agenda.
- 01The proposed reforms to NEET-UG include setting an upper age limit and limiting the number of attempts for candidates.
- 02The National Testing Agency (NTA) is currently conducting NEET-UG in a pen-and-paper format but plans to transition to a digital format next year.
- 03The Parliamentary committee, chaired by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh, includes 31 members with a majority from the BJP.
- 04The Radhakrishnan committee submitted 95 recommendations, including the possibility of multi-stage examinations.
- 05Opinions on the proposed age and attempt limits are divided, with some educators supporting the changes while others caution against strict restrictions.
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The Indian government is contemplating major reforms to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for undergraduate medical courses (NEET-UG), which may include establishing an upper age limit and limiting the number of attempts candidates can make. Currently, the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts NEET-UG in a single-shift, pen-and-paper format, requiring candidates to be at least 17 years old without a maximum age or limit on attempts. These proposed changes are part of a long-term reform strategy discussed with a Parliamentary standing committee, which aims to transition NEET-UG to a computer-based testing format by next year. This follows the cancellation of the 2026 NEET-UG exam due to allegations of question leaks, a term that has sparked controversy among committee members. While some educators support the proposed age and attempt limits, arguing that they could enhance the quality of medical training, others express concerns that such restrictions might adversely impact rural and economically disadvantaged students. The NTA has indicated that its current infrastructure can accommodate 150,000 candidates per shift, with plans to scale up to 1 million candidates within a year.
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The proposed changes to NEET-UG could significantly affect aspiring medical students, particularly those from rural and economically weaker backgrounds, by potentially limiting their opportunities to take the exam.
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