NEET UG 2027: Pen-and-Paper Exam Option May Continue As Southern States Oppose CBT Shift | Education and Career News
Last Updated:
NEET UG 2027: The proposed approach for next year may involve a hybrid arrangement, allowing candidates to take the exam either online or in the traditional pen-and-paper format
The report recommends strengthening classroom interaction, encouraging independent speaking and writing, and providing teachers with better training to improve language-learning outcomes. Representational image
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2027 may continue to offer the traditional pen-and-paper option alongside computer-based testing (CBT), as the Centre considers concerns raised by several states over the proposed examination overhaul.
Southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu and Kerala, have opposed CBT which could delay the complete transition of NEET UG to the computer-based format until the 2028–29 examination cycle, reported Economic Times. The proposed approach for 2027 may involve a hybrid arrangement, allowing candidates to take the exam either online or in the traditional pen-and-paper format.
The Centre is considering a gradual transition to CBT to give students time to become familiar with the online examination format and allow states to develop the required testing infrastructure.
According to The Economic Times, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have raised concerns about the possible impact of computer-based examinations on rural students and candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds.
One of the key concerns is the digital divide, as students in rural and remote areas may not have the same access to computers, reliable internet connectivity and examination facilities as those in urban areas.
States have also called for greater weightage to school board marks and suitable mechanisms to ensure equivalence among different education boards. Concerns have been raised that students from state boards may face disadvantages because national entrance examinations largely follow the CBSE syllabus.
Tamil Nadu has reportedly referred to the findings of the 2021 Justice A.K. Rajan Committee report, which examined the impact of NEET on students from government schools, Tamil-medium backgrounds and disadvantaged communities.
The high-powered task force headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani is examining changes to India’s examination system following concerns over paper leaks and examination irregularities.
According to The Economic Times, the panel has divided its recommendations into two phases. Immediate measures would guide the NEET UG 2027 examination, while broader reforms could be introduced from the 2028–29 examination cycle.
The proposed transition may follow a gradual approach similar to the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), with examinations conducted in multiple shifts. The longer-term objective is to move towards computer-based testing and eventually consider computer-adaptive testing.
The panel has reportedly received more than 54,000 suggestions and feedback from students, parents and other stakeholders. It is also expected to consult state governments before finalising its recommendations.
The Economic Times+2
The Centre has extended the tenure of the Nilekani-led task force until January 2027 to allow it to complete consultations and submit its recommendations.
The final examination format for NEET UG 2027 has not yet been officially confirmed. The proposed hybrid arrangement is still under consideration, and candidates should wait for an official announcement from the government or the National Testing Agency (NTA) before making decisions about the examination format.
About the Author
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, …Read More
November 02, 2026, 09:13 IST
Read More