Parliament Panel Flags Issues in NTA, NEET 2026 Mode Uncertain

A parliamentary standing committee has raised concerns about the recurring issues faced in examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The panel reviewed the agency’s performance and noted that several disruptions continue to affect major entrance tests. The detailed report was submitted recently, highlighting systemic weaknesses that need urgent attention.

The report was chaired by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh. It examined the processes followed by the NTA in conducting exams such as NEET, UGC NET, and CUET. According to the committee, the frequent irregularities have impacted the credibility of these national-level assessments.

Parliamentary Panel Reviews NTA’s Exam Conduct

The committee assessed how the NTA manages its exam procedures, security protocols, and daily operations. The findings stated that the agency must adopt strong corrective measures to prevent paper leaks, malpractice, and technical failures.

Members of the panel compared the NTA’s functioning with organisations such as UPSC and CBSE, which have maintained high reliability over the years. They argued that these bodies follow stronger systems that reduce the chances of large-scale disruptions.

The report noted that restoring public confidence should be the priority. It recommended that the NTA learn from the established models of these agencies and strengthen its operational framework. According to the committee, better monitoring, stronger coordination, and stricter checks are essential to maintain the integrity of national examinations.

Will NEET 2026 Shift to Pen-and-Paper Mode?

One of the major suggestions made by the committee was a possible return to pen-and-paper mode for examinations. The members felt that offline exams could help reduce technical glitches and make the process more transparent.

However, the NTA has not issued any official clarification on this suggestion. As of now, it remains uncertain whether NEET UG 2026 will be conducted in pen-and-paper format. The final decision will depend on the government’s response to the committee’s recommendations and on policy updates expected in the coming months.

What Happens Next?

The government is expected to review the report in detail. Any major shift in exam mode or structure will likely be announced after internal discussions and consultations with stakeholders.

For now, the exam pattern, exam mode, and other details for NEET 2026 remain unchanged. Students should continue preparing based on the current format unless an official announcement is made by the authorities.

The committee emphasised that strengthening the examination system is essential to ensure fairness for all candidates. The upcoming decisions will shape how NTA exams are conducted in 2026 and beyond.

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