| Updated On - Jul 4, 2026
A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education has proposed conducting NEET UG in multiple phases across states and granting statutory status to the National Testing Agency to strengthen exam integrity and reduce logistical burden.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports has proposed major reforms for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) Undergraduate exam. The panel, chaired by Congress MP Mukul Wasnik, met on July 1, 2026 in New Delhi.
The committee suggested conducting NEET UG in multiple phases across different states. It also recommended granting statutory status to the National Testing Agency (NTA). Officials from the Ministry of Education and the NTA briefed members during the session.
NTA Chief Abhishek Singh, Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi, and former ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan attended the meeting. The panel reviewed the conduct of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination held on June 21.
Key Recommendations at a Glance
| Recommendation | Details |
|---|---|
| Multi-phase NEET UG | Conduct the exam across several days in different states |
| Statutory status for NTA | Enact through a dedicated Act of Parliament |
| Separate entrance tests | Distinct exams for MBBS, AYUSH, and Nursing programmes |
| Computer-Based Test rollout | Ensure adequate digital infrastructure before shifting |
| Governance model | Adopt examination practices similar to UPSC |
Why a Multi-Phase NEET UG?
The panel said a single-day nationwide exam creates a heavy logistical burden. Conducting NEET UG in phases would ease pressure on exam centres. It would also make security arrangements easier to manage across states.
Members argued that phased testing could help contain paper leak risks. It would also reduce crowding at test venues on a single date.
Why Statutory Status for the NTA?
The NTA currently operates as a registered society, not a statutory body. The panel wants Parliament to give it statutory backing through a fresh law. This would grant the agency clear legal authority and firmer accountability.
The committee said statutory status would strengthen the agency's ability to run large exams independently. It would also define its duties towards the candidates it examines.
What About Separate Exams for MBBS, AYUSH and Nursing?
Members proposed distinct entrance tests for MBBS, AYUSH, and Nursing courses. They said splitting the exam could ease the load on a single test day. The NTA, however, responded that this move is not feasible at present.
Admissions to all three streams currently rely on NEET UG scores. A change would require wider policy shifts across health education regulators.
What Are the Concerns Over Computer-Based Testing?
The panel raised concerns about the planned shift to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) from next year. It stressed that digital infrastructure must reach every district first. Members asked the agency to protect the interests of marginalised sections.
The committee said candidates need enough time to get used to the online format. It also called for mock tests and training centres in rural areas.
Panel Praises the June 21 Re-Examination
The committee described the June 21 NEET UG re-examination as secure and well-managed. It praised steps like restricting Telegram access during the test window. Members also noted that monitoring WhatsApp channels helped curb leaks.
The redesigned question paper was flagged as a strong improvement in exam integrity.
The NTA was set up in 2017 as a registered society. It functions under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. A statutory upgrade would place it on a firmer legal footing.
Watch for the Ministry of Education's formal response to these proposals. Any change in the NEET UG 2027 format or CBT rollout timeline will be notified on neet.nta.nic.in.
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