Srinagar: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has confirmed that NEET (UG)-2025 will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode (offline) in a single day and shift, putting an end to earlier speculations about the exam transitioning to an online mode.
According to an official notice issued by National testing agency a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS reads, The National Testing Agency has been conducting the NEET (UG) since 2019 on behalf of the National Medical Commission.
As per Section 14 of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, the NEET (UG) has to be conducted as a common and uniform National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test [(NEET (UG)] for admission to undergraduate medical education in all medical institutions, it reads.
Similarly, as per Section 14 of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020, there shall be a uniform NEET (UG) for admission to undergraduate courses in each of the disciplines i.e. BAMS, BUMS, and BSMS courses of the Indian System of Medicine in all Medical Institutions governed under this Act.
NEET (UG) shall also be applicable to admission to the BHMS course under the National Commission for Homeopathy.
Notice further reads, MNS (Military Nursing Service) aspirants seeking admission to B.Sc. Nursing Courses being conducted at Armed Forces Medical Service Hospitals for the year 2025 are required to qualify for NEET (UG).
The NEET (UG) score will be used for shortlisting for selection to the four-year B.Sc. Nursing course, it reads.
As decided by National Medical Commission (NMC), it is informed that the NEET (UG)-2025 shall be conducted in Pen and Paper mode (OMR based) in Single day and Single Shift, it reads.
This clarification comes after widespread speculation that the NTA was considering conducting NEET exams in an online mode. However, the notice has reaffirmed that the exam will remain pen-and-paper-based, ensuring continuity in the traditional exam format.
Earlier, last year in December, speculations were rife that the National Testing Agency (NTA) was considering shifting the NEET UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Undergraduate) from its traditional pen-and-paper format to an online mode, a move that was expected to greatly impact medical aspirants across India.
It is important to mention that more than 20 lakh students participate each year, as NEET UG stands among the most challenging entrance exams in India, acting as the primary pathway to undergraduate medical and dental programs. (JKNS)