Panel Recommends: JEE–CUET Could Return To Pen-Paper

Panel Recommends: JEE–CUET Could Return To Pen-Paper

Last Updated Dec - 09 - 2025, 04:26 PM | Source : Fela News | Visitors : 17

Parliamentary panel urges traditional paper-based exams for JEE and CUET after repeated digital failures.

A parliamentary standing committee, headed by Digvijaya Singh, has stirred up fresh debate over the conduct of national-level entrance exams in India. The report scrutinises the performance of National Testing Agency (NTA) and raises serious doubts about the reliability of its computer-based testing (CBT) model particularly for highly competitive exams like JEE Main, CUET, UGC‑NET and more. 

The panel’s concern isn’t ungrounded: in the latest exam cycle, the NTA reportedly conducted 14 major competitive exams and at least five of those faced major disruptions such as delays, postponements, question-paper leaks, and flawed answer keys. For instance, in JEE Main 2025 (January session), 12 questions had to be withdrawn due to errors in the answer key. 

Given these repeated lapses, the committee has recommended a shift back to the traditional pen-and-paper mode of testing. In their assessment, long-standing examination bodies like Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) which have used paper-based exams for decades, remain more trustworthy and secure. 

The report also calls out the over-reliance on private vendors for crucial exam tasks such as paper-setting, administration, and evaluation even though NTA reportedly has a surplus of around ₹448 crore collected over the past six years. The panel urges that this surplus be used to build internal exam-management capacity or to strengthen regulatory oversight. 

However it’s important to note the report doesn’t mandate an immediate switch. The recommendations signal a strong preference; final decisions will depend on what the government and education policymakers decide. 

For students, this debate could have big consequences. If the shift happens, the exam format might revert meaning no more computer screens, but pen-and-paper, OMR sheets, and perhaps fewer last-minute technical glitches. For now, we wait and watch.
 

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