What has the Ministry of Education said?
A senior ministry official told Greater Kashmir (30 September) that "a national examination-grade CBT infrastructure strategy is being formulated to close the geographic gap in test-centre availability," and that the possible shift of NEET (UG) from pen-and-paper to computer-based testing "is being worked upon." The plan is for the change to begin next year, 2027, subject to a final decision.
What is not decided?
- The High-Level Task Force on exam reforms, headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, has not yet submitted its report.
- The ministry also awaits the concurrence of the Health Ministry and the National Medical Commission.
- It is considering a "multi-model sourcing architecture" for running the tests; details have not been given.
Which exams are already computer-based?
The National Testing Agency already runs JEE-Main, CUET-UG and PG, UGC-NET and CSIR-UGC-NET as computer-based tests, and the long-term plan is to move entrance exams online.
Why it matters for Jammu aspirants
The stated aim is to close the geographic gap in test-centre availability, with attention to candidates in rural, low-connectivity districts. For students from the Jammu belt, the practical questions are where CBT centres would be set up and how many sittings there would be; neither has been announced. Until the task force reports, NEET aspirants should keep preparing for the current format and follow NTA notices. For this year's seat picture, see our update on J&K's 1,750 MBBS seats.
Source: Greater Kashmir. We have not yet seen a PIB or NTA notice on this.
