the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET UG 2025 will revert to its original format, as confirmed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The announcement comes in the wake of widespread discussions on examination reform and allegations of security lapses in the 2024 edition of the exam.
Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that the decision to restore the previous structure of NEET UG was made in response to feedback from students, parents, educators, and state authorities, who expressed concerns over the revised format introduced in recent years. He also assured that strict security measures would be implemented to prevent any malpractice or irregularities during the upcoming examination.
Returning to the Old Format
According to officials, NEET UG 2025 will follow the traditional pattern, comprising a single paper with three sections — Physics, Chemistry, and Biology — and a total of 180 multiple-choice questions. The exam will once again be conducted in offline mode (pen-and-paper), a system that was widely accepted and tested over time.
The change marks a departure from the updated NEET format introduced in recent years, which included optional questions and section-wise internal choices. While some students appreciated the flexibility, others found the new structure confusing and inconsistent with previous coaching patterns.
The rollback has been welcomed by coaching institutes and academic mentors, who believe that consistency in exam format will help students prepare more effectively and with less uncertainty.
Security Measures Under Review
Chief Minister Sarma, who has been vocal about examination integrity in Assam, stated that a comprehensive overhaul of examination security protocols would be undertaken in coordination with the National Testing Agency (NTA) and local law enforcement.
The revised security blueprint for NEET UG 2025 will include:
- Installation of surveillance cameras at all examination centers.
- Deployment of central observers and flying squads to monitor centers in real time.
- Use of biometric attendance systems to verify student identity.
- Strict frisking and baggage checks to prevent unauthorized devices.
- Real-time data updates and live monitoring by a central control room.
Sarma also mentioned that the state would consider setting up a dedicated examination cell to coordinate with central agencies and address any emergent issues on exam day.
Addressing Past Concerns
The assurance follows rising concerns among students after sporadic reports of question paper leaks, impersonation, and technical glitches during NEET UG 2024 in a few states. While no major incident was officially reported in Assam, the state government appears to be taking proactive measures to ensure the sanctity of the examination process.
Chief Minister Sarma reiterated that any attempt to sabotage the process will be dealt with strictly under existing legal provisions. He also appealed to students and parents to report any suspicious activity and assured that tip-offs would be acted upon swiftly.
Reactions from the Academic Community
The move has been met with positive responses from educationists across Assam and the northeast. Teachers and coaching experts say that reverting to a standardized and previously successful format will reduce anxiety among students and promote uniformity across states.
Several student organizations have also welcomed the decision but demanded greater transparency in the implementation of security protocols, and the establishment of a student grievance redressal mechanism to report malpractice without fear.
NEET UG 2025: A Hope for Fairness
With the restoration of the old format and an emphasis on security, NEET UG 2025 is being seen as a step toward restoring trust in the national entrance examination process. For thousands of aspiring doctors in Assam and beyond, the new measures bring reassurance that their hard work will be fairly assessed.
As preparations begin, the focus is now on ensuring that the changes are effectively communicated and efficiently executed, creating a fair and secure examination environment that upholds merit and opportunity for all.