Two-stage NEET UG Exam: After the NEET UG 2026 exam cancellation over paper leak allegations, a parliamentary standing committee urged the establishment of a legal framework to hold the National Testing Agency (NTA) answerable to both Houses of Parliament.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports noted in its report titled ‘Reforming and Strengthening the NTA’ that maintaining public confidence in exams is crucial for social justice and national integrity.
Furthermore, the committee suggested exploring a two-tier format for major entrance tests, establishing reasonable caps on age and attempt limits, and decreasing dependence on private testing venues. The National Testing Agency had cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 exam, originally held on May 3, on May 12.
NTA Should be Accountable to Parliament
The committee noted that the exam cancellation indicates a need for further reforms, despite the agency’s previous efforts. It called for stringent security protocols, clear accountability, adequate staffing, and increased digitisation to tackle organised networks involved in exam fraud.
The committee stated, “The Department of Education could introduce a suitable parliamentary framework to ensure the NTA’s accountability to Parliament.”
Two-stage NEET UG Exam, Age and Attempt Limits
The committee observed that there are no effective limits on the number of attempts or the maximum age for NEET-UG, noting that even candidates over the age of 70 participate in the exam.
It was proposed that the Ministry of Education, after consulting the Ministry of Health and other relevant parties, should consider setting proper age and attempt limits for major exams such as NEET-UG. The committee mentioned that exemptions might be made for UGC-NET.
The panel also recommended that the National Testing Agency look into a two-tier format for large-scale exams. A joint preliminary test for medical aspirants could be held first, followed by specialised main exams for individual courses. This way, applicants for nursing or AYUSH programs can be separated from students vying for MBBS seats.
Computer-based exams and government centers The committee recommended shifting examinations to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) model and utilising government-owned and operated centers while reducing reliance on private facilities. It also called for a robust implementation plan to establish secure government CBT centers. It was suggested that candidates arriving late at exam centers should be permitted to take the exam after signing an undertaking.
Large Question Bank, Blacklisted Vendors:
The panel instructed the NTA to establish a nationwide database of blacklisted testing vendors and fund a comprehensive, varied, and frequently refreshed question bank to reduce paper leak vulnerabilities.
It is recommended to involve experts from prestigious institutions like IITs, AIIMS, and IIMs in the creation of the question bank and translation work. Their backgrounds should be vetted for integrity and conflicts of interest, including any ties to private coaching centers or candidates appearing for the exams.
41% of Posts Vacant; Panel Highlights Staff Shortage
The report showed that out of 39 approved posts in the NTA, only 23 were filled, bringing the vacancy rate to 41%. The committee noted that all 39 permanent posts were being filled via deputation. It asked the NTA to hire permanent staff, especially experts in psychometrics, exam security, digital infrastructure, data analytics, and exam logistics.
Under the Central Staffing Scheme, these roles should support senior leadership rather than replace domain expertise. The panel stated that regaining public trust would require continuous, transparent, and two-way communication with stakeholders, and that everyone involved in conducting the exams should view integrity not merely as a job requirement, but as a responsibility.
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