NEET-UG Exam Set for Major Overhaul: Centre Considers Two-Stage, Computer-Based Model

India's crucial NEET-UG medical entrance exam could soon see its biggest shake-up in years. The central government has informed the Supreme Court of India that it's actively considering moving to a two-stage, computer-based exam, much like the engineering entrance test JEE, to boost security and fairness. This significant deliberation comes amidst widespread concerns over recent paper leaks and alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination. This proposed shift aims to fix vulnerabilities in the current single-stage, pen-and-paper format, which has faced intense scrutiny, particularly after the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak led to re-examinations and public outrage. The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting these exams, has been under fire, even leading to the termination of 47 officials and calls to 'Build a New NTA'. A new Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Act, 2026, has also been enacted to deter such malpractices with stricter punishments. The JEE model, with its two-stage, computer-based structure, is seen as a way to enhance security by reducing human intervention in paper handling and enabling multi-day exam sessions with normalized scoring. While no final decision has been made, the government clarified that any changes will follow expert recommendations from a High-Powered Task Force chaired by technology veteran Nandan Nilekani, and students will receive ample notice. The Supreme Court of India is set to hear the matter again on August 6, 2026, keeping the future of millions of medical aspirants in focus. This move could redefine how India's most competitive medical entrance exam is conducted, aiming for a more secure and transparent system.