Experts and students at a CESS consultation in Bengaluru have urged for the inclusion of 12th-grade (II PU) marks in NEET rankings and a shift toward a multiple-attempt exam system to reduce student stress and enhance fairness.
- Proposed weightage for II PU (12th grade) scores in final NEET rankings.
- Call for a multiple-attempt system similar to JEE to alleviate student pressure.
- Integration of AI and subject-matter experts for standardized question paper setting.
- Implementation of biometric attendance to curb impersonation and fraud.
In a pivotal consultation organized by the Centre for Educational and Social Studies (CESS) at the Institute of Social and Economic Change (ISEC) in Bengaluru, a consortium of students and experts proposed sweeping reforms to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG). These recommendations are slated for submission to the high-powered task force led by Nandan Nilekani, which is currently reviewing reforms for the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, a member of the task force, highlighted the logistical disparity between NEET and JEE. While NEET manages roughly 23 lakh candidates annually, the JEE system benefits from being computer-based with multiple attempts. Somanath argued that adopting a similar multi-attempt model for NEET would significantly lower the stakes for individual students.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis suggests that the current 'single-window' high-stakes testing model creates a breeding ground for extreme psychological stress and an unregulated coaching industry. By incorporating II PU scores, the system would shift from rewarding a single day's performance to valuing two years of consistent academic rigor, thereby democratizing the selection process.
M.K. Ramesh, President of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board at the National Medical Commission, emphasized that NEET should be conducted within a week following board exams. This synchronization would prevent the prolonged 'gap-year' stress and maintain academic momentum. He further suggested a cap on the number of attempts, mirroring the UPSC model, to ensure a streamlined pipeline of candidates.
"The transition from a high-pressure single-exam format to a holistic evaluation system is no longer a choice, but a necessity for student mental health."
Addressing security concerns, Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, founder of Narayana Health, called for the immediate implementation of biometric attendance to eliminate impersonation. Complementing this, Bhagawan B.C., Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, proposed the digital transmission of question papers to minimize human intervention and logistical vulnerabilities.
Students present at the forum raised critical points regarding the 'standardization' of difficulty levels across subjects. They argued that if one section (e.g., Physics) is exceptionally tough, others (e.g., Biology) should be balanced to ensure fairness. Additionally, a psychiatrist from NIMHANS warned against the toxic culture of parental pressure, urging a shift toward recognizing a child's innate potential rather than forced expectations.
| Feature | Current NEET System | Proposed Reform |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Once a year | Multiple attempts per year |
| Ranking Basis | NEET Score only | NEET + II PU Board Weightage |
| Security | Traditional Invigilation | Biometric & Digital Transmission |
| Paper Setting | Opaque Process | AI-driven & Expert Standardized |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Would including II PU scores favor board-toppers over NEET-specialists?
The goal is to create a balanced approach where both consistent school performance and competitive aptitude are valued equally.
2. How would multiple attempts benefit the students?
It reduces the 'do-or-die' pressure of a single day, allowing students to improve their scores based on previous experience, similar to the JEE model.
