NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 04, 2026 : The National Testing Agency (NTA) has begun preparations to conduct NEET-UG in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from 2027, seeking support from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to identify suitable government institutions that can serve as examination centres.
The NTA has asked AICTE to gather details from its approved government institutions regarding their IT infrastructure, functional computers, networking facilities, internet connectivity, power backup, CCTV systems and available vacant or underutilised space.
AICTE has subsequently directed affiliated government colleges and institutions to submit verified information on their available infrastructure. The assessment is aimed at developing a wider network of Standard Testing Centres (STCs) across the country.
According to a senior NTA official, computer-based examination centres cannot simply be outsourced to small private operators. Centres will have to meet strict technical and operational parameters before being selected. Government technical institutions are being considered because many already possess the necessary computer and networking infrastructure.
The move comes as the NTA undergoes a broader overhaul following the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, which triggered nationwide concern over examination security and administration.
The Centre has announced that NEET-UG will shift from the traditional pen-and-paper format to CBT mode from 2027. NTA already conducts several national-level examinations digitally and is now working to expand the geographically distributed network of suitable testing centres.
AICTE has clarified that the infrastructure survey is restricted to government colleges and institutions approved by the council. Institutions have been instructed to ensure that the information provided is complete, accurate and duly verified by the competent authority.
The shift to computer-based testing is expected to bring major changes to the way NEET-UG is conducted, with infrastructure, cybersecurity, connectivity and examination-centre preparedness becoming key priorities ahead of the 2027 medical entrance examination.
