NEET UG 2025 to be held in Single-Day Pen-and-Paper Format

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2025 will be conducted in a single-day pen-and-paper format. This marks a significant shift from previous years, simplifying the examination process for over 20 lakh aspiring medical students.

Key Features of the New Exam Format

Traditional Pen-and-Paper Mode: NEET UG 2025 will revert to the offline format, where students will mark their answers on physical answer sheets.
Single-Day Examination: The exam will be held on a single day nationwide, aiming to streamline logistics and reduce the stress of multi-day testing.
The decision underscores NTA’s efforts to enhance efficiency and provide a seamless experience for candidates. This move is expected to ease the burden on candidates, many of whom previously faced challenges with multi-day scheduling. With the single-day format, students can focus on one decisive test date, reducing logistical complications such as travel and accommodation for those living far from exam centers.

However, experts have advised students to adapt their preparation strategies to the updated format. Unlike computer-based tests, pen-and-paper exams require precision in manual marking and time management.

Students are encouraged to:

• Practice extensively with offline mock tests to get accustomed to the pen-and-paper format.
• Stay updated on announcements regarding the exam date and guidelines by regularly checking the official NTA website.
• Focus on accurate answer-marking techniques to minimize errors.

NTA’s decision aligns with its mission to improve the exam process, balancing accessibility and efficiency. By conducting NEET UG in a single-day format, the agency aims to address concerns about coordination, scheduling conflicts, and exam fatigue. As the countdown to NEET UG 2025 begins, candidates can look forward to a streamlined and more traditional examination process, providing them with a focused platform to showcase their abilities.