Will NEET Follow CUET? The Debate Over a New Era in Medical Admissions
Published on: July 2025
In recent years, India has seen a transformative shift in its approach to entrance examinations. With the introduction of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate programs, a wave of speculation has emerged about whether a similar framework might be adopted for NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) — the gateway to medical education in India. But is this shift desirable, practical, or even possible?
Why the Thought of a CUET-like NEET System is Gaining Ground
The CUET model was introduced to standardize admissions across Indian universities. It provides equal opportunity regardless of board differences, promotes objectivity, and reduces dependency on subjective school assessments. Many educators and policymakers now question whether NEET too should evolve beyond a single-exam, high-stress system.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes multidisciplinary, holistic, and assessment-driven education. A CUET-like structure for NEET could align better with this vision by introducing flexibility, skill-based evaluation, and possibly even multiple attempts in a year.
What Would a CUET-like NEET Look Like?
- Multiple Attempts Per Year: Like CUET or JEE Main, NEET might be conducted more than once annually.
- Sectional Format and Subject Flexibility: Optional subjects or combinations based on medical pathways.
- Normalized Scores Across Attempts: Fair percentile-based scoring system.
- Integration with Allied Health Sciences: Unified entrance for B.Sc. Nursing, Paramedical, etc.
The Pros and Cons of a CUET-like NEET System
Pros ✅
- Reduced exam pressure through multiple attempts.
- Greater fairness and accuracy in merit evaluation.
- Better alignment with global and NEP-based education systems.
Cons ❌
- Implementation and logistical challenges due to large candidate pool.
- Concerns about score normalization and transparency.
- Increased reliance on coaching if changes aren’t well managed.
What Do Experts and Students Say?
Educationalists are divided. Some believe a modular NEET would be fairer and more inclusive. Others worry it might dilute the credibility of the single-rank merit system.
A majority of NEET aspirants on social media polls support a multi-attempt format — with over 70% in favor.
Is India Ready for the Shift?
Before this model is implemented, key upgrades are required:
- Infrastructure for multiple secure NEET sessions
- Training for evaluators and AI-enabled proctoring
- A universally accepted normalization policy
Final Thoughts: Time for a NEET Revolution?
Whether NEET transforms into a CUET-like system or not, one thing is clear: students deserve a fairer, more flexible, and stress-free assessment platform. With technology, policy reform, and academic innovation, the future of India’s medical entrance system could very well mirror CUET — if not entirely, then at least in principle.
Stay tuned with us at Toppers21 for the latest NEET updates, strategy guides, and counselling news.
