NEW DELHI: Uncertainty surrounding NEET-UG 2025 is causing anxiety among both candidates and officials.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) issued an online public notice on Dec 30, 2024, on the syllabus for the exam. But the link provided to candidates directed them to an outdated bulletin from a previous exam cycle, further exacerbating concerns about the agency’s preparedness and internal management.
Adding to the confusion is the delay in the announcement of registration dates, coupled with the slow roll out of the registration process, which has left many worried, including officials in the ministry of education, as well as NTA.
Insiders within NTA have attributed the delays to what they described as a “complete mess” and a “lack of confidentiality” in handling the exam’s logistical and administrative processes and feels could “potentially undermine agency’s credibility”.
Typically, the registration window for NEET-UG opens between mid-Nov and mid-Dec. However, as of mid-Jan, no official dates have been announced, raising alarm bells in the ministry. The delayed timeline compresses the period available for essential preparatory activities, such as booking exam centres, vetting them, and implementing stringent security measures.
Education ministry officials voiced concerns over whether “NTA can manage these tasks effectively within the shortened time-frame”. An official said, “This has sparked discussions about the agency’s ability to uphold integrity and smooth functioning of one of India’s most critical entrance exams.”
The apprehension is not without precedent. NEET-UG 2024 faced significant backlash after allegations of paper leaks surfaced, implicating several examination centres. These incidents led to widespread scrutiny of NTA’s processes and the efficacy of its security protocols. The fallout from these controversies severely impacted the agency’s reputation, casting a shadow over its operations.
“Such admissions have led to fears that the agency’s credibility could be further undermined if corrective measures are not implemented swiftly,” said a source.
The ongoing delays and organisational issues have not only caused distress among the millions of candidates but have also put the spotlight on the NTA’s operational efficiency. As the window for the exam narrows, the pressure on NTA to streamline its processes and restore trust is mounting to ensure that NEET-UG 2025 is conducted without any hiccups. The MoE is reportedly monitoring the situation closely, and ensuring a transparent, secure, and timely conduct of NEET-UG 2025.
