Reforming NEET‑UG: From Paper Leaks to Secure Computer‑Based Testing
Every year more than 2.4 million aspirants sit for the NEET‑UG. In 2024 only about 120,000 seats were available, giving a candidate‑to‑seat ratio of over 20:1. The current paper‑based system has created a lucrative test‑prep market, repeated paper leaks, and a single point of failure in the supply chain.
Key Developments Proposed by the Radhakrishnan Committee
- Structural overhaul of the NTA to improve governance and accountability.
- Introduction of encrypted digital paper transmission and biometric DigiExam for secure access.
- Creation of a state‑owned network of 1,000 secure testing centres across the country.
- Shift to a fully computer‑based testing (CBT) model.
- Development of a dynamic, statistically calibrated question bank using Item Response Theory (IRT).
- Two‑tier, on‑demand testing: a preliminary screening throughout the year followed by a final selection exam for top performers.
Important Facts
The committee, chaired by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan, emphasizes that the core vulnerability lies in static question papers. By building a large, vetted pool of questions contributed by experts from premier medical institutions, each exam can be assembled in real time, making pre‑exam leaks practically impossible. The preliminary tier would reduce the final‑stage candidate pool by more than 80 %, allowing intensive proctoring at lower cost.
Exam Relevance
Understanding this reform is vital for GS papers. The Radhakrishnan Committee illustrates how policy committees influence education governance (GS2). The shift to CBT and IRT‑driven question banks touches upon technology adoption, digital equity, and psychometric assessment – topics relevant