The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2025 will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode (OMR-based) on a single day and in a single shift. The decision was taken by the National Medical Commission (NMC) after thorough discussions with the education and health ministries.
The official notice, released on January 16 on NTA’s official website (nta.ac.in), states: ‘As decided by the 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.’
This announcement comes after debates about the feasibility of transitioning NEET UG to an online Computer-Based Test (CBT) format. The move for examination reform gained momentum following a paper leak controversy in 2024, sparking concerns about the integrity of the process.
Since 2019, NTA has been responsible for conducting NEET UG on behalf of the NMC. The exam serves as the gateway for undergraduate medical admissions in all medical institutions across the country.
For the 2025 academic year, approximately 1,08,000 MBBS seats will be offered, with around 56,000 seats in government medical colleges and 52,000 in private institutions. Additionally, admissions for undergraduate courses in Dentistry, Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha will also utilize NEET UG results.
In 2024, over 24 lakh candidates appeared for the examination, highlighting its significance as one of the largest national-level entrance tests. The 2024 exam was held in May, with results declared in July.
For further details and updates regarding NEET UG 2025, candidates have been advised to visit the official website of NTA.
