ABVP Proposes Two-Stage Competitive Exams, NEET Twice a Year to Nandan Nilekani Task Force

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has submitted a series of recommendations on competitive exam reforms to the high-powered task force headed by Nandan Nilekani. Among the key proposals are conducting major competitive examinations in two stages and exploring the possibility of holding the NEET UG exam twice a year.

The recommendations come amid continuing discussions around NEET exam reforms, examination security, transparency and student-friendly assessment systems. ABVP said the suggestions were developed after consultations with students and experts through round-table conferences held in Pune, Nagpur, Bhopal, Delhi, Chandigarh and South Bihar. Importantly, the proposal to conduct NEET twice a year is not an announced change in the NEET 2027 or NEET exam schedule. It has been submitted for consideration before the examination reforms task force.

NEET Twice a Year Proposed to Reduce Exam Pressure

One of the major recommendations is to explore conducting NEET twice a year, with the better score of the two attempts being considered for admission. According to ABVP, this model could reduce students' dependence on a single high-stakes examination. At present, candidates preparing for the NEET UG exam have to deal with the pressure associated with one major examination opportunity.

If such a proposal is eventually accepted and implemented, students could potentially get another opportunity to improve their performance. However, details such as the proposed exam months, eligibility, attempt rules, score validity and admission process have not been decided.

Two-Stage Competitive Exam System Proposed

ABVP has also proposed a two-stage competitive examination system for major entrance and recruitment examinations.

Under the suggested model, the first stage would be used to shortlist candidates, while the second stage would determine the final selection. The organisation said such a system could make competitive examinations more systematic and help reduce the pressure associated with a single high-stakes test. The proposal could have implications for the broader competitive exam system in India, although no specific implementation framework has been announced yet.

Competitive Exam Reforms: Key Recommendations

Apart from the NEET twice a year proposal, ABVP has suggested several other reforms aimed at improving examination transparency and security.

The organisation has also recommended independent security and process audits, digital evaluation, an integrated examination management system and a central examination dashboard.

Nandan Nilekani Task Force on Examination Reforms

The recommendations have been submitted to the high-powered examination reforms task force headed by Nandan Nilekani. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the constitution of the task force in July to examine reforms in the country's examination system.

ABVP has proposed that major reforms should be introduced in phases through pilot projects, reviews and independent audits. It has also called for better coordination between curriculum, teaching, assessment and entrance examinations. The organisation said the broader objective is to create an examination system where students compete based on their knowledge and performance rather than being affected by weaknesses in the examination process.

What Does NEET Twice a Year Proposal Mean for Students?

For now, NEET twice a year remains a proposal. Students preparing for NEET UG should continue following the officially announced examination schedule and admission rules until any formal notification is issued by the competent authorities.

If the proposal is eventually approved, the NEET exam pattern, attempt policy, score consideration and counselling process would need to be clearly notified before students can plan their preparation around two attempts.

NEET Twice a Year FAQs