NEET UG 2025 to Be Held in Pen-and-Paper Mode; Mixed Reactions Emerge
The announcement of NEET UG 2025 in an offline mode has reignited fears of potential paper leaks and irregularities, with many questioning the decision's impact on exam integrity.
NEET UG 2025 will be conducted in Pen and Paper Mode
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has confirmed that the NEET UG 2025 examination will be conducted in a pen-and-paper format (OMR-based) in a single day and single shift. This decision ends months of speculation about the potential shift to an online mode or conducting the exam in multiple phases.
The notification issued by the NTA states: “As decided by the National Medical Commission, it is informed that the NEET (UG) 2025 shall be conducted in Pen and Paper mode (OMR-based) in Single day and Single Shift.”
Despite recommendations by the NTA Expert Committee, headed by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan, to shift to a computer-based mode and introduce multiple phases, the proposals have been set aside. Earlier hints from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan about changes in the exam format have also not materialized. The NTA has yet to announce the exact exam date, though the registration process is expected to begin in February or early March 2025.
X (formerly Twitter) Reactions
The announcement has ignited debates on X, where users expressed a mix of concerns and support:
Rajesh Pandey: “Another planned disaster in waiting. Who took the decision to conduct an offline examination? It is almost impossible to conduct a leak-free offline examination!”
Manan Agarwal: “That’s a wrong decision. Paper leak probability is very high. Online CBT is the way to go.”
Meet: “Hope this time it will be fair and free from controversies. Best of luck to the aspirants.”
Another user wrote: “Lagta hai, phir se paper leak karne ki taiyari hai!!!”
Concerns Over NEET UG 2025 Exam Security and Fairness
The announcement of NEET UG 2025 in an offline mode has reignited fears of potential paper leaks and irregularities, with many questioning the decision's impact on exam integrity.
NEET UG 2024 Controversy
The backdrop of this announcement includes the significant controversies surrounding the NEET UG 2024 examination. Allegations of paper leaks, irregularities, and time losses during the exam sparked widespread protests, legal battles, and calls for government intervention.
The NTA’s decision to retain the traditional pen-and-paper format comes amid calls for transparency and modernization of examination systems. While some argue that the familiarity of offline exams benefits students, others worry about the vulnerability to leaks and malpractices. Aspirants and stakeholders are now hoping that lessons from the NEET UG 2024 controversies will lead to a smoother and more secure process in 2025.
Q: When will NTA announce the NEET 2025 date?
Q: When will the NEET 2025 exam be conducted?
Based on the past few years' trends, it is likely that the NEET 2025 exam will be conducted in the first week of May 2025, tentatively Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 2 PM to 5.20 PM. NTA will announce the exam date through an official notice or exam calendar. It is expected that the exam will be conducted as per the previous years' trends, and there will not be any delay in the exam.
Q: What is the date of NEET 2024?
NTA announced the NEET 2024 exam date on September 19, 2023. NEET 2024 exam was conducted on May 5. The result of NEET 2024 was declared on June 4, 2024. After the result declaration, several irregularities and anomalies were found in the result and the scoring system. Hence, NTA is reconducting NEET 2024 on June 23, 2024, for 1,563 candidates who were awarded grace marks. The result will be declared on June 30, 2024. The NEET 2024 counselling process for the 15 per cent All India Quota (AIQ) seats is likely to be conducted from July 6, 2024 onwards.
The NEET 2024 application process was conducted from February 9, 2024, to March 16, 2024. The last date of application was extended from March 9, by a week. The application and correction windows were reopened in April. While the NEET exam dates were scheduled in September and July a couple of years ago owing to the pandemic situation, it took a toll on the medical admission schedule. To bridge this gap, NTA conducted NEET in May last year. The trend is being continued for NEET 2024 as well.
Follow Shiksha.com for latest education news in detail on Exam Results, Dates, Admit Cards, & Schedules, Colleges & Universities news related to Admissions & Courses, Board exams, Scholarships, Careers, Education Events, New education policies & Regulations.
To get in touch with Shiksha news team, please write to us at news@shiksha.com
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.
Comments
(1)
p
a week ago
Related News
Latest News
Next Story
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is likely to announce the NEET 2025 exam date in January 2025. NTA will consider various aspects such as the schedule for other national level undergraduate entrance exams, Board exams, and other factors while deciding the date. Announcing the NEET 2025 date in advance will ensure that candidates get enough time to prepare for the exam. Last year, NTA announced NEET exam date as part of a common exam calendar, consisting of JEE Main, CUET and UGC NET dates. However, this year the JEE Main dates have been announced but other exam dates, especially NEET 2025 date is yet to be announced.