NEET UG split in two? Panel wants prelims + mains for 22 lakh aspirants

By TUF News Desk · Published 12 October 2026 · 3 min read

Fact-checked against 2+ independent sources · Editorial policy

Twenty-two lakh students, one paper, one day. That is how NEET UG decides who gets into medical college in India today. A parliamentary panel now says the single-stage format itself is part of the problem, and has asked the National Testing Agency to study splitting the exam into two.

The Parliamentary Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports proposed a common preliminary examination for all medical streams, followed by specialised mains for specific courses. In its report, the panel said a candidate seeking nursing or AYUSH admission should be tested and ranked apart from one seeking MBBS, so students stop competing against people who were never chasing the same seats.

Right now, NEET UG is one test for everything: MBBS, BDS, nursing and AYUSH, all decided in a single sitting for more than 22 lakh candidates. The committee pointed to the Civil Services Examination as the contrast, an exam that filters candidates through several stages instead of putting everything on one day.

The exam-format suggestion is one part of a wider overhaul the panel wants after question paper leaks damaged trust in the agency. It asked for a parliamentary framework that would make the NTA directly accountable to Parliament, calling public confidence in national examinations a matter of social justice.

More than the format: what else the panel asked for

The report carries several other recommendations. The education ministry, along with the health ministry, should explore reasonable age and attempt limits for major examinations including NEET UG. The panel noted that candidates above the age of 70 had appeared in NEET. The UGC-NET would be the exception to any such limits.

The committee also wants the NTA to maintain a national registry of blacklisted examination vendors, and to invest in a large, continuously updated question bank. Papers would then be drawn from that bank without the question-setters knowing the set in advance, which the panel called the most viable long-term defence against leaks. Students who arrive late at centres should be allowed to sit the exam after recording an undertaking.

What changes for aspirants

Nothing yet. The panel has asked the NTA to examine feasibility, not ordered a change. The current single-stage NEET UG, and its syllabus, remain in force. Students should watch the NTA’s official website for any notification and ignore speculation.

Still, the direction is worth noting. NEET UG scores decide MBBS and BDS seats at government and private medical colleges across the country, including institutions such as King George’s Medical University in Lucknow. A separate ranking for nursing and AYUSH candidates would change the competition maths for millions. Our admission documents checklist covers the paperwork every medical aspirant needs regardless of the format.

Frequently asked questions

Will NEET UG have two stages now?

No. A parliamentary panel has recommended that the NTA study a two-stage format. Nothing has been approved or notified; the current single-stage exam is unchanged.

What would a two-stage NEET UG look like?

A common prelims for all medical streams, followed by course-specific mains, so MBBS, BDS, nursing and AYUSH candidates would be tested and ranked separately instead of in one pool.

Has the panel also suggested age or attempt limits for NEET UG?

It asked the education and health ministries to explore reasonable age and attempt limits for major exams including NEET UG, with the UGC-NET as a possible exception. No limits have been set.

Does this affect NEET UG 2027 preparation?

No change has been announced for the 2027 cycle. Prepare for the existing syllabus and format until the NTA issues an official notification.

Frequently asked questions

Sources: NDTV, The Indian Express, Mathrubhumi