New Delhi, January 17, 2025- The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially announced that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate courses (NEET-UG) 2025 will continue in its traditional pen-and-paper (OMR-based) mode. The exam will be conducted in a single shift on a single day, ensuring transparency and minimizing the risk of malpractice a concern raised after the NEET-UG 2024 errors, which led to a re-examination for 1,500 students.
The decision aligns with the guidelines issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and follows discussions between the Health and Education Ministries. Despite deliberations on shifting to a computer-based format, two rounds of talks led by JP Nadda resulted in the continuation of the OMR-based format. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had hinted at this decision during his appearance at Agenda Aajtak in December 2024.
Additional Updates on NEET UG 2025
Exam Format and Language Availability:
- NEET-UG 2025 will consist of 200 questions, with candidates required to attempt 180 within 3 hours and 20 minutes.
- The test will be available in 13 languages, accommodating a diverse pool of aspirants.
Revised Syllabus and Subjects:
- The syllabus for the exam, covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from Classes 11 and 12, has been updated and is available on the NMC and NTA websites.
Expanded Scope of NEET-UG:
- The exam will serve as the qualifying test for medical programs including MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BUMS, BSMS, and BHMS under the Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy.
- Aspirants for Military Nursing Service (MNS) admissions into BSc Nursing programs at Armed Forces Medical Service Hospitals will also need to qualify for NEET-UG.
Next Steps for Aspirants
Registration dates for NEET-UG 2025 are yet to be announced. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official NTA portal (nta.ac.in) for updates on application timelines and other crucial details.
This decision to retain the pen-and-paper format underscores the commitment to fairness and inclusivity in the highly competitive medical entrance examination.
