Should the NEET-UG be decentralised?

Source: The post “Should the NEET-UG be decentralised?” has been created, based on “Should the NEET-UG be decentralised?” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd May 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-2- Governance

Context: The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) was introduced in 2013 to create a single transparent examination for admission to medical colleges in India. However, repeated paper leaks, administrative failures, and concerns over fairness have raised questions about whether NEET-UG should be decentralised. The debate revolves around balancing transparency, accessibility, affordability, and accountability.

Arguments in favour of decentralising NEET-UG

1. Reducing burden on students

1. NEET was introduced to reduce the burden of multiple medical entrance exams and lower financial and mental stress on students.
2. A decentralised model could allow states to conduct their own exams and reduce pressure on a single national-level examination.

2. Addressing social inequality

1. Rural, poor, and government school students often face disadvantages because of unequal access to coaching and resources.
2. States can design exams that better accommodate vulnerable and socio-economically weaker students.

3. State-specific flexibility

1. State governments can adopt systems based on local needs, including reservation policies and educational priorities.
2. Tamil Nadu’s reservation of 7.5% seats for government school students is an example of targeted support.

4. Preventing disruption from single-exam failures

1. Since NEET is a single-window exam, any paper leak or administrative lapse affects lakhs of students nationwide.
2. Decentralisation could reduce the scale of disruption caused by such failures.

5. Reducing over-centralisation

1. Dependence on one national testing agency creates risks when management failures occur.
2. State-level participation may improve accountability and reduce over-centralisation.

Arguments against decentralising NEET-UG

1. NEET ensures uniformity

1. NEET provides a common standard for medical admissions across India.
2. A single exam ensures fairness and equal evaluation of candidates nationwide.

2. Reduced financial burden

1. NEET allows students to appear for one examination instead of multiple entrance tests.
2. This reduces travel costs, registration fees, and stress.

3. Better transparency than multiple exams

1. Before NEET, private medical colleges often had separate entrance exams and high capitation fees.
2. NEET reduced arbitrary admissions and improved transparency.

4. Merit-based admissions

1. NEET acts as both an entrance and eligibility test.
2. It prevents manipulation in admissions by creating a standard benchmark.

5. Avoiding fragmentation

1. Decentralisation may lead to varied standards across states.
2. This could reduce uniformity in medical education quality.

Major issues

1.  Repeated paper leaks: The NEET 2024 controversy exposed vulnerabilities in exam security. Paper leaks damaged trust in the examination system.
2. Overdependence on coaching: Students from privileged backgrounds often have better coaching access. This creates inequality for poor and rural students.
3. Financial burden in private medical education: Many deserving students cannot afford expensive private medical education. High fees continue to remain a challenge.
4. Weak implementation of reforms: The Radhakrishnan Committee recommended stronger security measures. Several key recommendations were not fully implemented.
5. Psychological stress: Repeated cancellations and re-tests create anxiety and uncertainty among students.

Suggested reforms for improvement

1. Strengthen examination security: CCTV surveillance, secure paper transport, and stricter digital monitoring should be implemented.
2. Computer-Based Testing (CBT): NEET can gradually move towards a computer-based system to reduce paper leak risks.
3. Multi-stage examination: A preliminary screening test followed by a final exam can reduce pressure and improve management.
4. Regulate private medical college fees: Governments should control exorbitant fees to make medical education more accessible.
5. Improve counselling support: Strong counselling systems should guide students and reduce stress.
6. Equal opportunities: Scholarships, free coaching, and special support for rural and government school students should be expanded.
7. Stronger accountability of NTA: The National Testing Agency must ensure transparency, efficiency, and timely response to lapses.

Conclusion: NEET-UG has improved transparency and standardisation in medical admissions, but repeated administrative failures have exposed serious weaknesses. Full decentralisation may create fragmentation, while complete centralisation may increase systemic risks. Therefore, India needs strong reforms, better security, improved inclusiveness, and balanced institutional accountability to ensure a fair and credible medical entrance system.

Question: Should NEET-UG be decentralised in India? Examine the arguments in favour of and against decentralisation of NEET-UG and suggest reforms to improve the examination system.

Source: The Hindu