The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced updated guidelines for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG 2025), which will be conducted for admission to undergraduate medical courses. The exam will be held in pen-and-paper mode (OMR-based) on a single day and in a single shift, as confirmed in a notification issued on January 16.
NEET UG 2024 Recap:
In 2024, over 24 lakh students appeared for the NEET UG exam held on May 5 across 4,750 centres in 571 cities, underscoring the exam’s significance for medical aspirants nationwide.
With these measures and guidelines, NEET UG 2025 aims to uphold transparency and ensure a seamless examination experience for candidates while addressing previous concerns over exam integrity and accessibility.
Key Highlights of NEET UG 2025 Guidelines:
Admissions Scope:
- NEET UG serves as the qualifying exam for admission to undergraduate courses, including BAMS, BUMS, BSMS, and BHMS, under respective medical commissions.
- For Military Nursing Service (MNS) aspirants, NEET UG is mandatory for shortlisting candidates for the four-year BSc Nursing courses at Armed Forces Medical Service Hospitals.
Aadhaar Integration and APAAR ID:
To streamline the application and examination process, candidates are encouraged to use both their Aadhaar details and APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry).
- Aadhaar-based Verification: Candidates should update their Aadhaar credentials for simplified registration and efficient verification processes.
- Face Authentication Technology: Introduced by UIDAI, this method enhances accuracy in identity verification, ensuring smoother attendance checks and examination integrity.
Addressing Concerns Over Exam Integrity:
In response to concerns over irregularities, including alleged paper leaks, the Centre has implemented recommendations from a high-level panel led by former ISRO Chief R. Radhakrishnan. These include:
- Transitioning to multi-session and multi-stage testing for enhanced fairness.
- Developing secure and accessible testing centres, including mobile units for remote areas.
- Establishing a robust grievance redressal mechanism to resolve issues efficiently.
Increased Demand for CBT Mode:
Despite NTA’s decision to retain the pen-and-paper format, there has been growing demand for a shift to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) due to security concerns. The push for digital transformation gained momentum after controversies surrounding last year’s paper leak.