'Give statutory status to NTA': House panel suggests 'NEET in multiple phases' amid paper leak row

Re-examination on June 21

NEW DELHI: A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education on Wednesday recommended that the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Undergraduate courses (NEET-UG) be conducted in multiple phases across different states to reduce the "logistical burden" of holding it on a single day.The panel also suggested granting statutory status to the National Testing Agency (NTA) to strengthen its ability to conduct large-scale examinations independently.The recommendations were made during a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, chaired by Congress MP Mukul Wasnik, where officials from the Ministry of Education and the NTA briefed members on the conduct of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination and proposed reforms to the examination system.NTA Director General Abhishek Singh, Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi and former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan, who heads the high-powered committee overseeing examination reforms, appeared before the panel and discussed lessons learnt from the NEET re-examination held on June 21.Several MPs suggested that NEET-UG be conducted in multiple phases, similar to some examinations conducted by the UPSC, to reduce the operational pressure of conducting the examination nationwide on a single day.

"The committee members further suggested that NEET be conducted in multiple phases across different states to reduce the operational pressure of conducting the examination nationwide on a single day," sources told ANI.When asked about the feasibility of such a move, NTA officials informed the committee that any decision on conducting NEET in multiple phases would have to be taken by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the nodal ministry for the examination.Some members also proposed separate entrance examinations for MBBS, AYUSH and nursing courses to reduce the number of candidates appearing for a single test. However, NTA officials said this would not be feasible as admissions to these courses are currently based on NEET scores.Members of the committee questioned how the NTA would independently conduct an examination of NEET's scale in the future, noting that the successful conduct of the June 21 re-examination required coordinated efforts across multiple government agencies.The MPs also suggested granting statutory status to the NTA and enhancing its powers to enable it to conduct examinations of such magnitude more effectively, according to PTI sources. The NTA currently functions as an autonomous body established under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.The committee further appreciated the conduct of the NEET-UG re-examination held on June 21, describing it as secure and well managed.During the meeting, NTA officials made a detailed presentation on the enhanced security measures adopted for the re-examination, including the temporary restriction of Telegram, monitoring of WhatsApp channels, increased surveillance and changes in question paper design aimed at preventing leaks and malpractice."All members of the Parliamentary Committee and the Chairperson appreciated the way the NEET re-exam was conducted.

NTA explained the various steps taken, from the Telegram restriction and monitoring of WhatsApp channels to the manner in which the question paper was designed. The Chairperson also appreciated the efforts made to conduct a secure and foolproof examination," ANI reported, citing a source.However, committee members expressed concerns over the proposed shift to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format for NEET from next year.

They stressed that adequate digital infrastructure must be available across the country and that the interests of students from marginalised sections should be safeguarded."The committee said that if NEET is conducted in CBT mode in future, it should be ensured that the required infrastructure is available across the country and all preparations are completed well in advance," the source added.Members also expressed concern over candidates who were unable to appear for the examination after arriving late at centres, saying the visuals of distraught aspirants being denied entry were disturbing and urging the NTA to consider measures to address such situations.Radhakrishnan informed the panel that the recommendations of the high-powered committee on examination reforms are being implemented in a phased manner, though no timeline for their completion was provided.The panel also discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on education. Experts from academic and technical institutions briefed members on strategies to maximise employability and adapt the education system to emerging technologies.This development comes as the original NEET-UG 2026 examination, conducted on May 3, was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak. The Centre subsequently ordered a re-examination, which was held on June 21 in pen-and-paper mode under enhanced security arrangements. The CBI is continuing its investigation into the alleged leak.