NEET to be conducted twice a year by NTA from 2019 onwards

Human Resource Development minister Prakash Javadekar announced on 7th of July 2018 that the newly formed National Testing Agency (NTA) will now conduct the national-level examinations — NET, NEET, JEE (Mains). These exams were till now conducted by the CBSE.

This may have big implications for those who are preparing for NEET 2019 and for those who have already written this exam before as the pattern of the exam may see a complete overhaul from next year and the previous years’ question papers will be of no use now.

With the announcement of NTA, there will be several changes in the exam pattern from next year. Here’s all you need to know about NEET 2019:

When will the exam be held?

NEET, which was earlier held once a year, will now be conducted twice a year from 2019, in February and April.

Can NEET aspirants appear in both the tests?

Students can appear both the times in NEET and the best of the two scores would be taken in account for admission.

According to reports, the new exam body will take into consideration the variation in difficulty levels in the two tests by using specialised standardisation techniques while determining the final score.

NEET will be Computer-based or a Paper-Pen test?

All exams conducted by the NTA will be computer-based. NTA will soon announce a list of its computer centres. From August-end, students can go to these centres to practice for the exams.

What remains unchanged?

Javadekar said the syllabus, question formats, language and fees would not be changed for any of the exams.

About NTA:

  • NTA will be established as a Society registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860.
  • The NTA would work as an autonomous and self-sustained premier testing organisation to conduct entrance examinations for higher educational institutions.
  • It will be chaired by an educationist appointed by the Human Resource Development Ministry.
  • To serve the requirements of the rural students, NTA would locate the centres at sub-district/district level and as far as possible would undertake hands-on training exercise for the students.
  • The NTA will be given a one-time grant of Rs 250 million (Rs 25 crore) from the government to start its operation in the first year and thereafter, it will be financially self-sustainable


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