NEW DELHI: The National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) for undergraduate medical admissions will be completely shifted to computer-based test (CBT) format from 2027, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said. The transition will end the use of paper and pencil OMR sheets for the medical entrance examination.The minister said the decision has been taken to strengthen the examination process and address concerns related to security and transparency. He also said that investigative agencies will continue to look into irregularities related to the exams and those responsible will face action.OMR sheets to replace NEET 2027Announcing the change in exam mode, Pradhan said, “Agale saal se NEET UG pariksha hogi computer-based, jo mool jad hai OMR wo nahi rahega,” indicating that the OMR-based system would no longer continue from the 2027 exam cycle.With the switch to CBT, candidates will answer questions through a computer interface instead of marking answers on physical answer sheets. However, the current exam structure will remain unchanged. NEET UG will continue with 720 marks, with questions from Physics, Chemistry and Biology.Candidates to adapt preparation methodsThe change in exam mode will require aspirants to familiarize themselves with digital testing platforms. Candidates preparing for NEET 2027 will need to practice through computer-based mock tests to improve speed, accuracy and familiarity with the online exam environment.The transition is expected to bring changes in the way students approach practice sessions, as screen-based tests will replace physical OMR-based preparation methods.Minister says CBI probe will look into irregularitiesSpeaking about the concerns over the exams, the Education Minister said that investigations would continue and that no one involved in crimes would be spared.“CBI will dig deeper and no one will be spared this time. Last time also no one was spared but now I said that even after implementing Radhakrishnan Committee, the incident has happened,” Pradhan said.The minister’s remarks referred to the current focus on exam reforms and accountability measures following concerns raised about the conduct of national entrance exams.The government is focusing on exam security measuresThe switch to a fully computer-based format is part of broader efforts to strengthen exam systems and improve security provisions. The government has previously taken steps through committees and inquiries to address concerns about exam management.NEET UG is one of the largest entrance exams in India, conducted annually for admission to undergraduate medical programs across the country. The move to CBT will introduce a new test format for medical aspirants while retaining the existing academic pattern and grading system.