NEET UG 2025 Exam Latest Update: Exam Date Announced for 4th May

NMC and NTA Announce Pen-and-Paper Format and More.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has proclaimed that the NEET UG 2025 examination will continue in the traditional pen-and-paper format. The exam will be conducted on a single day and in a single shift, ending months of speculation about changes to its structure. Discussions about moving to an online or multi-phase system had been ongoing, but the decision has now been completed.

NTA has released public notice on January 17th about conduct of NEET, this notice is an official announcement regarding the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2025, issued as a follow-up to the earlier notice released on 16th January 2025.

The key points mentioned in the notice are:

Clarification on Courses Covered:

• In addition to the courses previously mentioned in the earlier notification (such as MBBS and AYUSH courses), the NEET (UG) 2025 score will also be used for admission to BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) and BVSc & AH (Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry) courses.
• This means that students who want to pursue these courses must also appear for NEET (UG) 2025.
• The admissions to these courses will be conducted as per the rules and guidelines set by their respective regulatory bodies, such as the Dental Council of India (DCI) for BDS and the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) for BVSc & AH.

Information Bulletin Availability:

• Candidates who are interested in applying for NEET (UG) 2025 are advised to check the official website (www.neet.nta.nic.in) regularly.
• A detailed Information Bulletin, which will include important details such as eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, reservation policies, and other guidelines, will be published on the website when the application forms are released.

Action for Students:

• Students should stay updated by visiting the official website for notifications.
• They should carefully read the Information Bulletin once it is available to understand all requirements and procedures before applying for the exam.

In summary, the notice informs students that NEET (UG) 2025 will be required for dental and veterinary courses in addition to other medical programs, and candidates should refer to the official website for further details when the application process begins.

This announcement has brought clarity to over 20 lakh aspiring medical students nationwide. After months of discussions and debates, the decision was made with the help of education experts, government agencies, and other interested parties. The pen-and-paper format, also called OMR-based testing, has been used for years, and authorities have retained it because of its familiarity and accessibility for students.

Adopting a computer-based format was strongly supported by an expert committee led by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan. The committee recommended the shift to address logistical complexities and modernize the process. However, these recommendations were not implemented. One of the main reasons cited was the digital divide in India, which affects students in rural areas. Access to the internet, availability of computers, and knowledge of digital tools remain significant challenges for many students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

There were also problems with the NEET UG 2024 exam, which affected the choice. Students and parents lost trust in the school after rumors of question paper leaks and other issues. By continuing with the pen-and-paper format, the authorities aim to provide stability and reduce unnecessary stress for candidates.

However, the pen-and-paper system comes with several challenges. One of the biggest concerns is the risk of question paper leaks. In the past, similar national-level exams have faced criticism for compromised security, leading to demands for stricter measures. The NTA has announced plans to enhance security for NEET UG 2025 to address these concerns. This includes better surveillance at exam centers, secure transportation of question papers, and real-time tracking of exam materials.

Besides disadvantages, the pen-and-paper format has prominent advantages. It ensures that aspirants from all backgrounds, whether rural or urban, including those in remote areas, can take part, facing no problem. Many students are more comfortable with this format because it feels familiar and reduces the pressure of adapting to new systems during an already high-stakes examination.

While some have welcomed the decision, it has also drawn criticism. Supporters of the offline format argue it is more inclusive and avoids the technical glitches that can disrupt online exams. On the other hand, critics find this offline format outdated and prone to malpractices like paper leaks and cheating. They emphasize the need for modernization and call for gradual steps toward computer-based testing in the future.

However, the exact date of the NEET UG 2025 test has not been announced yet. The registration process is likely to start in February or early March 2025. Students should keep up with the news by checking the official NTA website for new information and statements.

The focus will be on ensuring the process goes smoothly, which is evident since the exam date is approaching. There is a lot of pressure on the NTA to keep the exam's reputation and fix the problems that happened in previous years. This includes measures to exclude malpractices and assure fair access to every aspirant, creating an environment of reliability.

The decision to employ the old-fashioned pen-and-paper method reflects the careful approach by authorities. While the need for modern methods is essential, authorities' current focus is to provide an easily accessible platform for every aspirant. This balance between tradition and innovation will continue to shape discussions around NEET UG in the coming years.

Also Read - NEET 2025: Exam date, syllabus, application process registration dates and fees.

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