Will JEE and NEET Go Offline After Panel's Recommendations?

Will the Central Government Agree with Parliamentary Standing Recommendations on Paper & Pen Exam for II-JEE /NEET-UG/CUET?

Parliamentary Standing Committee Evaluates NTA Functioning

The Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC), under the able guidance of Congressman Digvijaya Singh (M.P.), drew a few conclusions on the NTA’s Capabilities and regulatory system for education, women, children, and sports. Sri Digviaya Singh and his committee conducted a thorough study of the security, administration, and financial functions. Subsequently, they issued recommendations on NTA’s activities to make it a more reliable and integral part of its operations. The parliamentary committee emphasised the nature of the NTA examination. It examined the pros and cons of conducting the NTA’s examinations. It recommended shifting from CBT to the pen-and-paper exam model, similar to those used by the CBSE and UPSC. 

Note:

Further, the committee recommended that the CBT pattern of examination continue in government schools and colleges in larger cities and be avoided in private schools and colleges, regardless of location.

Difference Between Two Exams: CBT & Paper-and-Pen mode 

The committee also agreed that, in the CBT exam pattern, there is a risk of cyber threats, whereas in a pen-and-paper examination, the exam paper replacement is possible. However, security functionaries working with the NTA should focus on reducing such discrepancies. To cite an example, as per the JEE Main 2025 year’s lapses, the answer key for JEE Main 2025 contained errors in at least 12 questions. The committee reported that NTA held a surplus of 448 crores, which can be allocated to building capabilities and maintaining its regulatory system. 

Furthermore, the committee focused on the tainted vendors' activities, which are fraudulent and cause irregularities in the NTA’s operations. However, the Central Government has yet to respond positively to the Parliamentary Standing Committee’s Report.

Summary:

NTA is an independent, standalone organisation entrusted with responsibilities in education, women and children, and sports empowerment. Recently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee submitted its report on discrepancies and errors in national-level competitions conducted by the NTA. Further, critically evaluated the functions of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and illustrated the needful changes in enhancing the capabilities and regulatory system. In a final note, the committee noted the NTA’s cumulative surplus of 448 crore. It stated that NTA must allocate this revenue to building strong capabilities and a robust regulatory system across its various operations. The error mentioned above refers to the 12 questions flagged in the final answer key for the JEE Main 2025 examination. With fingers crossed, every aspirant has become vigilant and is awaiting the Central Government's Decision on whether the CBT will change to paper-and-pen mode. 

FAQs: Parliamentary Committee Study on whether JEE Main, NEET exam to be CBT or Paper-and-Pen Mode

1. Why did the Parliamentary Committee scrutinise the pen-paper style of examination?  

1. These days, NTA, an independent, autonomous body that conducts national-level competitive examinations for educational careers and jobs, is under scrutiny. Last year, during the evaluation of the JEE Main 2025 exam papers, NTA withdrew 12 questions from the CBT mode final answer key due to errors.  

2. Which exam mode is better, CBT or pen-and-paper style? 

1. Experts say that both mode of examination have their merits and demerits. Depending on the current state of discrepancies, NTA should adopt the appropriate method for conducting national-level examinations, whether career- or job-oriented. 

3. Should the Central Government act on the Parliamentary Committee Recommendations? 

a. The above information indicates that shifting from CBT to paper-and-pen examination mode is not a mistake, as the most competitive exams, such as CBSE and Civil Service examinations, still rely on handwritten exam patterns.