Sakshi Education: The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is the gateway for students aspiring to join medical courses across India. Traditionally conducted in the offline pen-and-paper format, a suggestion was made this year by a Supreme Court-appointed committee led by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan to switch to an online computer-based test.
However, the Central Government has decided to continue with the offline format for NEET UG 2025, citing several challenges and logistical concerns.
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Why NEET UG Offline Mode is Being Retained
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Large Number of Candidates:
- In 2023, 24 lakh candidates appeared for NEET. This year, the number is expected to rise to 28–30 lakh, with a significant percentage coming from rural areas.
- Conducting the exam online for such a massive number is impractical given the current infrastructure. Currently, only 1.5 lakh students can be accommodated for online exams at a time, requiring the test to be conducted in 10 separate sessions, increasing the risk of paper leaks and discrepancies.
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Infrastructure Challenges:
- Rural areas often lack sufficient internet connectivity and functional computer labs.
- Many students from villages are unfamiliar with computer-based testing, making it inequitable compared to their urban counterparts.
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Risks in Online Mode:
- The likelihood of repeated questions and potential paper leaks increases when exams are conducted over multiple sessions.
- Variability in the difficulty level across sessions could disadvantage some students.
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Equity for Rural Students:
- Urban students are often more accustomed to online tests, whereas rural candidates may struggle due to lack of exposure.
- A sudden shift to online mode just three months before the exam could disproportionately affect rural students' performance.
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The Government’s Stance
The government has emphasized that NEET UG will remain in offline mode for 2024 to ensure a level playing field for all candidates. They also stated that strict measures will be implemented to prevent any malpractices, such as paper leaks or unfair practices, which have occurred in the past.
Future Prospects
While the offline format will continue for NEET UG 2025, the government has indicated that online exams may be considered for future years if conditions become favorable. If such a change is made, the government assures that ample time will be given for students, especially those from rural areas, to adapt.
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