NEET UG 2025 Exam Reforms: Expert Committee Submits Report on Online Testing, Multi-Stage Exams, Security Enhancement
The seven-member committee, headed by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan, has now submitted its report to the Ministry of Education, proposing several changes to enhance the security and fairness of the exam.
The Supreme Court recently extended the deadline for a government-formed expert committee to submit its report on reforming the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) processes following a paper leak incident earlier this year. The seven-member committee, headed by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan, has now submitted its report to the Ministry of Education, proposing several changes to enhance the security and fairness of the exam.
Key Proposals from the Expert Panel:
Online and Hybrid Exam Models: The panel suggests using online exams wherever feasible. For instances where full online testing is challenging, a hybrid model is recommended, wherein question papers are digitally sent to examination centers, while candidates complete responses on paper.
Multi-Stage Exam for Medical Aspirants: Similar to the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), the panel proposes a two-stage examination for NEET to manage the large volume of applicants, which reached nearly two million this year.
Revised CUET Subject Choices: The committee advises reducing the number of subjects in the Central University Entrance Test (CUET) to prevent redundancy, as students often retake subjects they have already studied in board exams.
Enhanced Staffing at NTA: The committee recommends that the National Testing Agency (NTA) increase permanent staffing to improve exam administration, moving away from reliance on temporary personnel.
Strengthened Data Security: The panel suggests the NTA assume greater control over exam centers and limit the use of private facilities to prevent unauthorized access. Transmitting question papers digitally closer to exam time would further reduce security risks.
Limits on NEET Attempts: The report proposes capping the number of NEET attempts per candidate, encouraging candidates to prepare thoroughly.
NEET UG 2025 Exam Date and Expected Changes
The NTA is expected to announce the NEET UG 2025 schedule soon, with the exam tentatively set for May 4, 2025. Due to recent reforms in JEE Main 2025, including the removal of optional questions, similar updates may be considered for NEET UG. Candidates are advised to stay updated on official announcements from the NTA.
Updated Syllabus for NEET UG 2025
Alongside these recommendations, the NTA has revised the NEET syllabus, reflecting updated topics in Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. Aspirants are encouraged to check the NTA’s website to align their studies with the latest requirements.
Q: What is the exam pattern of NEET?
NEET or National Eligibility cum Entrance Test is a paper-pencil based test (PBT) of 3 hours and 20 minutes duration. There are a total of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), out of which 180 questions have to be attempted. The syllabus of the exam consists of Physics Chemistry and Biology subjects. The Biology subject is segregated between Zoology and Botany. Each subject will be divided into two sections, Section A and Section B.
Section A carries 35 questions and Section B carries 15 questions. While all 35 questions can be attempted in Section A, in Section B, 10 questions out of 15 have to be attempted. Each question carries four answer options and the correct option has to be marked on the OMR sheet. According to the marking scheme, each correct question carries 4 marks and there is a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer. No marks will be awarded or deducted for unattempted or extra attempted questions.
Q: Will NEET 2025 have sectional time limits?
No, there is no time limit to solve a section in NEET. The total duration of the exam is 200 minutes, or three hours and 20 minutes. Hence, on an average, candidates will get around five minutes for each question. Candidates must keep a tab on the timing as NEET is a time-pressed exam.
Before the exam day, candidates are advised to prepare a time management strategy wherein a particular timing should be assigned for each section or subject. They must also note that they will not be given any extra time to complete the exam, nor will they be allowed to take breaks in between or leave before time.
Q: As per the NEET pattern, can we attempt all questions from section B?
As per the NEET exam pattern, each subject is divided into two sections, Section A and Section B. Section A consists of 35 questions, wherein all questions have to be attempted. On the other hand, Section B carries 15 questions, out of which, any 10 questions have to be attempted. Hence, to answer your question, no, you cannot answer all questions from Section B of NEET question paper.
Even if you attempt all 15 questions in Section B, only the first 10 questions and answers will be marked. Hence, it is advised that attempt only 10 questions which you are confident of, and not all 10. Attempting extra questions will not only lead to wastage of time, but your efforts and focus as well. You can utilise that time in revising the attempted questions, or to increase your number of attempts in Section A.
Next Steps
The Supreme Court has not yet reviewed the committee’s recommendations but granted a two-week extension for the report submission. Further examination and approvals are expected before the NTA can implement any official changes, with updates likely to be shared on the NTA's website.
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Abhay an alumnus of IIMC and Delhi University, has over a decade long experience of reporting on various beats of journalism. During his free time he prefers listening to music or play indoor and outdoor games.
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