NEET in Offline Mode 'Impractical,' Suggests Former IIT Director

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), the gateway to medical education in India, has been a topic of much debate in recent times. Following the alleged paper leak of the NEET-UG 2024 exam, concerns about the security and feasibility of conducting such a large-scale exam in offline mode have resurfaced. A former director of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) has added his voice to these concerns, proposing a two-stage testing system similar to the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for engineering aspirants.

Challenges of Offline NEET Exam

The offline mode of NEET presents several challenges, including:

High Risk of Paper Leaks: A large number of test papers need to be transported and distributed across various exam centres, creating vulnerabilities and opportunities for leaks. The recent alleged paper leak has highlighted this risk significantly.
Logistical Challenges: Conducting an offline exam for lakhs of students across the country is a logistical nightmare. It requires a massive infrastructure, manpower, and security arrangements, which can be expensive and prone to human error.
Unequal Opportunities: Students from rural and remote areas may not have access to proper coaching facilities and infrastructure compared to their urban counterparts. This can lead to an uneven playing field.

Proposed Two-Stage Testing System

Ramgopal Rao, a former director of IIT Delhi, has proposed a two-stage testing system modeled after the JEE. This system would consist of:

Stage	Description
Stage 1: NEET (Main)	A computer-based online exam is held at multiple centres throughout the year. This would be a screening test to shortlist a manageable number of candidates for the next stage.
Stage 2: NEET (Advanced)	An offline in-depth exam is held at designated centres for shortlisted candidates from Stage 1. This stage would focus on assessing practical skills and in-depth knowledge.

Potential Benefits of a Two-Stage System

The proposed two-stage system offers several potential benefits:

Reduced Risk of Leaks: With a smaller number of candidates appearing for the offline stage, the risk of paper leaks can be significantly reduced.
Improved Logistics: Conducting a computer-based online exam for stage 1 would be more manageable and require less infrastructure compared to an entirely offline exam.
Level Playing Field: An online stage would provide a more standardized testing environment, potentially reducing the advantage students from urban areas might have in terms of access to coaching.
Comprehensive Assessment: The two-stage system would allow for a more holistic evaluation of candidates, combining the benefits of online testing with an in-depth offline assessment.

Challenges and Considerations

While the proposed two-stage system holds promise, there are challenges to consider:

Digital Divide: Not all students have access to reliable internet facilities, which could disadvantage some candidates in the online stage.
Infrastructure Upgrade: The widespread availability of computers and reliable internet connectivity in rural areas is crucial for a successful online exam.