Last Updated:May 14, 2026, 14:45 IST

NEET UG Paper Leak: Under the proposed system, question papers would be transmitted digitally to exam centres and printed on-site under stringent security arrangements.

The Radhakrishnan Committee was constituted in the wake of the NEET-UG 2024 controversy. (Representative image/File)

Almost two years after the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak controversy and the unprecedented cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, the Centre is exploring the possibility of introducing a new hybrid format for the examination. Under the proposed system, question papers would be transmitted digitally to examination centres and printed on-site under stringent security arrangements, reported Times of India.

Officials believe this approach could offer greater security, especially since conducting a fully online examination for nearly 23 lakh candidates continues to pose major logistical challenges. A senior official from the health ministry stated that discussions on reforms to the NEET examination are expected to begin shortly, the report added.

These deliberations will involve the health ministry, the National Medical Commission (NMC), and the National Testing Agency (NTA). The consultations are also likely to focus on integrating digital components into the examination process.

Officials say the proposed “computer-assisted secure paper-based test,” recommended by the Radhakrishnan Committee, is a practical compromise between pen-and-paper and fully computer-based exams. Under this model, encrypted question papers would be electronically transmitted to secure servers located at examination centres or regional hubs shortly before the test begins. The papers would then be printed locally using high-speed, high-security printers.

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One official told the news agency that the primary objective is to minimise manual handling during the transportation and storage of question papers, which are widely regarded as the most vulnerable stages where leaks are likely to occur. Printing the papers shortly before the examination, the official noted, could significantly lower the chances of leaks, the report added.

Officials further emphasised that the hybrid system would preserve the key benefits of a traditional single-day offline examination. All candidates would answer the same paper at the same time, thereby eliminating concerns related to normalisation and differences in difficulty levels across multiple shifts. At the same time, the system would continue to support a broad network of examination centres, including those located in smaller towns and rural areas.

Another senior official pointed out that shifting NEET entirely to a computer-based format would be extremely difficult because of the enormous number of candidates involved. The official also observed that many aspirants from rural and semi-urban areas may not be equally comfortable with computer-based examinations.

Unlike conventional tests, which can be organised in schools across districts, online examinations require specialised centres equipped with reliable internet connectivity, uninterrupted electricity supply, and trained technical personnel.

Authorities further stated that adopting a completely online format could drastically reduce the number of available examination centres, compelling many candidates to travel to larger cities. They also highlighted concerns related to cybersecurity threats, server breakdowns, and technical failures, all of which would require extensive preparation and planning, the report added.

Officials added that any transition to a fully online system would demand substantial groundwork, including infrastructure enhancement, mock examinations, and training exercises to familiarise students with the new format.

At the same time, officials acknowledged that the proposed hybrid model would also require pilot projects, infrastructure evaluations, and comprehensive operational guidelines before it could be implemented.

The Radhakrishnan Committee was constituted in the wake of the NEET-UG 2024 controversy to recommend measures aimed at strengthening the security, transparency, and credibility of the examination system.

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