The Supreme Court has rejected a petition seeking to conduct the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, paving the way for the re-examination to proceed in the conventional pen-and-paper format.
The plea was filed by Rajya Sabha MP Sudhakar Singh, who had requested directions to hold the medical entrance exam through computer-based systems instead of using OMR answer sheets.
A vacation bench led by Justice P.S. Narasimha observed that implementing a significant change in the examination format at this stage would not be feasible.
The court observed that the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts NEET-UG, is already managing multiple logistical challenges, and shifting to a computer-based format at the last minute would create additional difficulties for both candidates and examination authorities.
The bench further noted that altering the format or mode of a nationwide examination close to the exam date could disrupt the entire process. Consequently, the court refused to issue directions to conduct this year’s examination in CBT mode.
With this ruling, it is now confirmed that the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for June 21 will take place in the existing pen-and-paper format using OMR sheets.
NTA Indicates CBT Transition Possible From Next Year
During the hearing, the National Testing Agency informed the Supreme Court that it is preparing for a future transition to the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format.
In an affidavit submitted before the court, the NTA said it expects to be fully prepared to conduct NEET-UG in CBT mode from 2027 onward, adding that the necessary infrastructure and arrangements would be in place by then.
The petitioner argued that the plea was limited to shifting the examination to a computer-based format and did not seek any other modifications. However, the bench pointed out that a similar request had already been rejected earlier by a regular bench of the Supreme Court.
Considering the earlier ruling and the practical challenges involved, the vacation bench chose not to intervene.
The matter has now been adjourned for further hearing until July 27.
NEET-UG is among India’s largest entrance examinations and serves as the gateway for admission to undergraduate medical courses nationwide. The Supreme Court’s latest ruling ensures that the upcoming re-examination will continue under the existing system without any last-minute changes to the exam format.