World · India Bureau
NEET-UG 2027 likely to retain pen-and-paper format as review panel gets extended
A government-appointed task force examining the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test's exam structure has been granted additional time to complete its assessment. The panel's extension signals that India's premier medical entrance examination may continue in its traditional written format for at least another year.
LSN India ·
The six-member task force, headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, has received an extension to its mandate, suggesting that the NEET-UG examination for 2027 will likely remain in pen-and-paper mode rather than transitioning to a computer-based format. The panel was originally constituted on July 27 with a three-month timeline to evaluate potential modifications to the test structure and delivery mechanisms.
The task force's extended timeline reflects the complexity involved in recommending systemic changes to an examination that determines admission to medical colleges across India. The review process requires careful consideration of logistical, financial, and pedagogical implications before any transition to alternative testing formats could be implemented.
The continuation of the traditional written format for NEET-UG 2027 would maintain consistency for aspirants preparing for the examination. Any shift to computer-based testing would require substantial infrastructure development, training of invigilators, and coordination across multiple examination centers nationwide.
The Nilekani-led panel is expected to submit its comprehensive recommendations regarding the examination's future trajectory, including considerations for digital delivery mechanisms in subsequent years. The extension provides additional time for the task force to conduct broader consultations with stakeholders, including medical education bodies and test-takers.