NEET UG Paper Leak: Parliamentary panel recommends switching NTA exams to CBT mode

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, tasked with reforming the National Testing Agency (NTA), on Friday (October 9, 2026) presented a report in the Rajya Sabha recommending the transition of flagship entrance exams to computer-based testing (CBT), strict logistical measures and the creation of a centralized national registry for at-risk offenders.

To eliminate manipulation risks associated with traditional pen and paper formats, the commission strongly recommended shifting the main national entrance tests, namely NEET-UG, to the online CBT format.

Dynamic question banks

The panel emphasized that the most viable long-term defense against recurring leaks is investing in large, diverse, and continuously updated question banks. Based on advanced domain knowledge, these banks should generate dynamic, randomized question sets for CBT formats. The commission said that repeated reliance on standard question sets or static preparation methods creates a serious risk to integrity.

The panel also noted that in the proposed CBT format, the question papers are to be transmitted securely through hybrid encrypted delivery mechanisms till the commencement of the examination. “This eliminates the need for early physical storage and transportation of printed question booklets,” he noted.

Acknowledging the scope of examinations such as NEET-UG, the panel suggested exploring multi-session CBT plans in independent shifts.

“To preserve fairness and public trust, any normalization methodology used in multiple-session tests must be independently audited, mathematically robust, and clearly explained to students before implementation,” the panel said.

The committee urged the NTA to primarily rely on reputed academic institutions like Indian Institutes of Technology, All India Institutes of Medical Sciences and Indian Institutes of Management for content management.

“A strict background check system must be put in place to monitor the record and integrity of the paper makers to rule out conflicts of interest such as linking faculties with private coaching academies or commercial interests,” the panel said.

Digital infrastructure

Acknowledging that the transition to a CBT regime requires extensive digital infrastructure, the panel warned against over-reliance on unproven private suppliers.

To address digital connectivity gaps, especially in Area 2, 3 and rural regions, the committee recommended using medium-sized IT labs (100-200 nodes) available in public universities, state technical colleges, polytechnics and accredited schools.

The panel highlighted severe workforce constraints within the agency and highlighted a vacancy rate of over 40% for key permanent posts. He called for the immediate filling of approved permanent positions on a fast-track basis and warned that reliance on short-term deputation (often limited to three years) limited long-term institutional memory, psychometric expertise and operational security.

The panel emphasized that security measures must not turn test centers into highly stressful and hostile environments. She advised against invasive physical search procedures that cause candidates undue anxiety.

The panel also highlighted the need to establish a centralized interagency digital registry of blacklisted and penalized vendors.

Currently, vendors penalized, suspended or blacklisted by one testing body or state often win lucrative contracts with other autonomous educational bodies or recruiting boards because of isolated records, the panel noted.

“The proposed central database will collect records of all service providers, technology partners, vetting agencies and logistics firms penalized under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Fraud) Act or specific agency violations,” the report said.

The registry records a detailed history of failures, including contract terminations, active FIRs, investigations and security failures. Crucially, the committee recommended that the registry track not only parent companies but also their key directors, executives and associated subsidiaries to prevent tainted vendors from re-emerging under new business names.

The panel further recommended that access to the central registry should be made mandatory for all Central Autonomous Institutions, UPSC, SSC, State Service Commissions and Education Boards before finalizing procurement or logistics tenders. “Any firm listed on the register will face automatic disqualification from participating in public examination processes nationwide,” he advised.

Published – 9 October 2026 19:45 IST