India's entrance exams, including NEET and JEE Main, face scrutiny over their traditional paper-based format. Advocates argue for a shift to online testing to reduce costs and improve efficiency, while critics highlight the digital divide and the need for equitable access to technology. The debate centers on how to ensure fairness for all students.

• 01India conducts some of the largest paper-based exams globally, with NEET attracting about 1.5 million candidates annually.
• 02Transitioning to online exams could significantly reduce logistical costs and environmental impact associated with paper production.
• 03Critics emphasize that unequal access to digital infrastructure could exacerbate existing disparities among students from different regions.
• 04Concerns exist that online formats may not adequately assess a student's knowledge due to their reliance on multiple-choice questions.
• 05Experts suggest that improvements in digital infrastructure are necessary before implementing widespread online examinations.

The shift to online exams could significantly affect students' access to education, particularly in rural areas where digital infrastructure is lacking.