Sun Mar 09 20:58:25 UTC 2025: ## Assam Chief Minister Demands NEET Reforms Amid Concerns Over Exam Integrity

**GUWAHATI, March 10, 2025** – Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a three-pronged approach to reform the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) following concerns about its integrity. Addressing a press conference, Mr. Sarma stated that faculty at Assam’s medical colleges reported a discrepancy between high NEET scores and the actual knowledge of some students. A probe by the Special Branch revealed that many exam centers are located in private institutions.

In response, the Assam government will request the central government to:

1. **Shift NEET exam centers:** The state government will urge the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Ministry of Education to hold NEET exams exclusively in government schools and colleges.
2. **Increase security and supervision:** The exams should be conducted under the direct supervision of district commissioners and superintendents of police. Biometric verification of candidates at the entrance to exam halls is also proposed.
3. **Implement biometric checks:** Mandatory biometric testing of candidates before they enter exam halls is also being advocated.

Chief Minister Sarma said he would personally discuss these requests with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and has authorized the Chief Secretary to contact the NTA Director General and Union Education Secretary.

In other news, the Assam Cabinet approved the revocation of a quota for riverine areas in MBBS/BDS admissions from the 2025-26 session. A bill to regulate private coaching institutes will also be introduced. The cabinet also approved the establishment of two mega industrial parks and the development of a smart township. Finally, the state will confer its highest civilian awards upon several individuals, including Lt. Gen. (retd) Rana Pratap Kalita.

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