Debate Rekindled: Pen-and-Paper vs. Computer Testing Amid NEET UG Controversies

A Parliamentary Standing Committee has sparked new discussions on entrance examination formats, endorsing the pen-and-paper method for its proven 'leak-proof' history, referencing successful instances like UPSC and CBSE exams. The report arrives amid controversies surrounding the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 due to alleged paper leaks. It encourages the National Testing Agency (NTA) to examine longstanding pen-and-paper models. The recommendation holds weight as experts critique the vulnerability of large-scale pen-and-paper exams and contrast it with previous calls towards computer-based testing (CBT). The 2024 K Radhakrishnan-led committee emphasized transitioning to CBT, arguing for its robust, secure framework executed over multiple shifts. Despite contrasting views, the Parliamentary panel, led by Digvijaya Singh, supports pen-and-paper tests, acknowledging their vulnerability but asserting longstanding leak-proof examples like CBSE exams. They recommend exclusive government venues for CBTs and challenged the NTA over operational lapses, urging improvement in exam security and management after recent uncertainties like paper leaks and delayed results. Additionally, they propose barring problematic firms involved in exam processes and suggest NTA reinvest surplus funds to enhance their exam and monitoring capabilities.