NEET to go digital from 2027, raises equity concerns

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for undergraduate medical seats will shift from pen-and-paper to computer-based testing from 2027, the government has announced. Rediff.com reports the move aims to strengthen security and transparency after the paper leak controversy. Over 2.2 million candidates appeared for NEET this year, making it India's largest competitive exam.

Rediff.com highlights a stark digital divide that could undermine fairness. Only 4.7% of rural households own a computer or laptop, against 14.9% in urban areas, according to data from the India Human Development Survey (2022-24). Computer ownership stands at 1.2% among the poorest households and 23.1% among the richest. Just 32.4% of men and 19.1% of women aged 18-30 know how to use a computer.

The transition poses logistical challenges, including ensuring comparable difficulty across multiple shifts and score normalisation. Rediff.com notes that while computer-based tests can improve security, unequal access to devices and digital literacy risks giving affluent urban students an advantage, potentially determining merit by resources rather than ability.