NEET UG in CBT Mode: Expert Insights on Exam Security and Fair Assessment
NEET UG in CBT Mode: Expert Insights on Exam Security and Fair Assessment
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Undergraduate (NEET UG) is India’s most critical medical entrance exam, determining admissions to MBBS and dental courses for over 22 lakh candidates annually. Traditionally conducted in a pen-and-paper format, discussions are now underway to move NEET UG to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode—a shift that promises reform but also raises concerns on fairness, infrastructure, and the risks faced by students from rural and remote areas. However, when it comes to expert insight on the feasibility and implications of this transition, one voice stands out: Ashish Mittal, Director of Innovatiview India Limited.
Expert Perspective: The Backbone of Fair NEET UG Exams
“Moving NEET-UG towards a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format is a step in the right direction. It can curb malpractices, speed up evaluation, and enhance transparency. But CBT isn’t just about changing the mode of delivery; it demands a complete ecosystem shift. Today’s exam infrastructure is still not well-suited for large-scale Computer-Based Tests (CBT), with hardware and software gaps leading to cheating, remote access issues, paper delays, and server breakdowns. To overcome these challenges, we urgently need standardised, student-first examination centres with robust digital systems, power backup and trained personnel to ensure fairness and inclusivity. Only when such centres are uniformly accessible, including in rural areas, will CBT truly deliver a stress-free and equitable exam experience for every candidate,” emphasized Ashish Mittal.
This testimony is a decisive guidepost for policymakers and educators. It underscores that exam security, prevention of malpractices, and impersonation detection are not simply technical add-ons—they are foundational elements for a fair and credible NEET UG exam.
Why CBT is Being Considered?
The idea of shifting NEET UG to CBT has been under discussion for several years. The momentum has accelerated following paper leak controversies and irregularities in previous exams. The K Radhakrishnan committee, appointed to ensure smooth and transparent testing, recommended a hybrid approach: digital transmission of question papers combined with recording answers on paper.
While this model can reduce human error, limit unfair means in examination, and enhance examination security, experts like Ashish Mittal stress that without standardized, fully-equipped examination centres, these benefits cannot be realized.
Balancing Benefits and Challenges
Benefits of CBT
Curbing Malpractices in Examination: Digital systems reduce cheating and paper leaks.
Speeding up Evaluation: Automated processes enable faster, accurate scoring.
Transparency and Fairness: Question papers are securely transmitted, and monitoring ensures integrity.
Impersonation Detection: Advanced technology ensures candidates are verified, preventing fraudulent attempts.
Challenges Highlighted by Experts
Technical infrastructure gaps, including hardware, software, and connectivity issues.
Accessibility concerns for students in rural or remote areas.
Need for trained personnel to handle large-scale CBT administration.
Ashish Mittal’s quote emphasizes that CBT is not merely a change in format, but a systemic shift—one that must prioritize students’ access, fairness, and stress-free examination experience.
The Road Ahead: Implementing Robust Exam Security
For NEET UG in CBT mode to succeed, policymakers must focus on:
Establishing standardized examination centres with reliable power backup and trained staff.
Incorporating impersonation detection and monitoring tools to ensure fair play.
Bridging infrastructure gaps in rural areas to maintain inclusive access.
Addressing malpractices in examinations and devising strategies for how to stop cheating in examinations.
Experts like Ashish Mittal make it clear: the true value of CBT can only be realized when these measures are in place. Without them, switching modes may inadvertently create new inequities and stress for candidates.