The Centre is considering the introduction of a common entrance examination for both engineering and medical courses, senior officials informed a parliamentary standing committee on Thursday. The proposal,
still in the discussion phase, could eventually replace separate exams like JEE and NEET with a unified testing system, reported the Economic Times.
Under the suggested framework, students would appear for one national-level exam featuring specialised sections — Mathematics for engineering aspirants and Biology for medical candidates.
Committee members reportedly expressed broad support for the idea, viewing it as a streamlined and more efficient admission mechanism.
Officials also revealed that the government is reviewing age limits and restrictions on the number of attempts for NEET candidates, bringing the medical entrance process closer in line with other national examinations. Authorities are additionally exploring the possibility of conducting exams in multiple sessions and stages to improve flexibility and reduce pressure on students, the report added.
The discussions come amid intense scrutiny of the National Testing Agency (NTA) after the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy.
During the meeting, National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General Abhishek Singh and Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi briefed the parliamentary panel headed by senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on ongoing examination reforms and the recommendations of the Dr K. Radhakrishnan Committee.
To enhance exam security and reduce malpractice, the NTA outlined plans to restrict access to question paper preparation processes and gradually reduce dependence on third-party exam conducting agencies by strengthening its own technological infrastructure and in-house systems.
Sources said the panel raised several queries about the ongoing CBI investigation into the NEET paper leak case and the possibility of a re-examination. However, officials stated that detailed information could not be disclosed as the matter remains under active investigation.
Committee members also questioned whether the NTA has sufficient manpower to manage its expanding responsibilities and whether proper background verification was conducted for those involved in setting question papers, amid concerns that the leak may have occurred at that stage.
The NTA said its immediate focus is ensuring the fair and smooth conduct of the upcoming June 21 examination, with fresh question papers and enhanced security measures being prepared. It also highlighted efforts to move toward computer-based testing and reduce reliance on traditional pen-and-paper exams to limit leak risks. Members further suggested multiple paper sets and conducting exams in two to three shifts to improve security.
