Nearly two years after the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak controversy and following the unprecedented cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, the central government is now evaluating a hybrid examination model aimed at strengthening security and improving transparency.
Under the proposed system, authorities would digitally transmit encrypted question papers to examination centres and print them locally under strict security protocols. Officials believe this approach could reduce the risk of paper leaks while avoiding the logistical challenges of conducting a fully online examination for nearly 23 lakh candidates.
A senior official from the health ministry said the ministry, the National Medical Commission (NMC), and the National Testing Agency (NTA) are expected to hold discussions soon on possible reforms, including partial digitisation of the examination process.
Hybrid Model Emerges as a Middle Path
Officials said the proposed “computer-assisted secure paper-based test,” recommended by the Radhakrishnan Committee, is emerging as a practical alternative between fully offline and completely computer-based examinations.
According to the proposal, encrypted question papers would reach confidential servers at exam centres or regional hubs shortly before the examination. Subsequently, authorised personnel would print the papers locally using high-speed secure printers.
Officials believe this system could significantly reduce risks linked to transportation and storage — stages widely considered vulnerable to leaks.
“The idea is to reduce manual handling points during transportation and storage of question papers,” an official explained. “Printing papers closer to the examination time could minimise the chances of leaks.”
Offline Advantages May Continue Under New System
At the same time, the hybrid model would preserve several advantages of the traditional offline examination format. Since the exam would still take place on a single day with one uniform paper, authorities could avoid controversies related to normalisation and varying difficulty levels across multiple shifts.
Moreover, the system would allow authorities to continue using a large network of examination centres, including centres located in smaller towns and rural districts.
Officials Cite Challenges in Conducting Fully Online NEET
Meanwhile, officials acknowledged that shifting NEET entirely online remains difficult because of the examination’s massive scale.
One senior official said India currently lacks the infrastructure needed to conduct a single-day computer-based test for nearly 25 lakh students.
“At present, only around 1 to 1.5 lakh candidates can realistically be accommodated each day,” the official noted. “If authorities conduct the exam in multiple shifts, issues related to normalisation, fairness, and comparisons across sessions become unavoidable.”
In addition, officials pointed out that many students from rural and semi-urban areas may not have equal familiarity with computer-based testing systems.
Unlike offline examinations conducted in schools across districts, online tests require specialised centres equipped with stable internet connectivity, uninterrupted electricity supply, and trained technical staff.
Concerns Over Access, Cybersecurity and Technical Failures
Officials also warned that a fully online system could reduce the number of available centres and force many students to travel to larger cities for the examination.
Furthermore, cybersecurity threats, server failures, and technical disruptions remain major concerns. Authorities said any transition to a completely online system would require months of preparation, including infrastructure upgrades, mock examinations, and student familiarisation programmes.
Hybrid Model Still Under Discussion
Although officials consider the hybrid approach promising, they clarified that the proposal still requires pilot testing, infrastructure assessment, and detailed operational planning before implementation.
“These are still discussions and nothing has been finalised yet,” an official said. “However, after repeated controversies in recent years, there is broad agreement that reforms are necessary.”
As reported by TOI, the government constituted the Radhakrishnan Committee following the NEET-UG 2024 controversy to recommend measures aimed at strengthening examination security and improving transparency.