Proposal for Introduction of a Unified
National Science and Health Entrance
Test (UNSHET)
To
The Hon'ble Prime Minister of India
Government of India
South Block, Raisina Hill
New Delhi – 110011
Subject: Proposal for introducing a Unified National
Science and Health Entrance Test (UNSHET) by
replacing NEET-UG and JEE Main with a single
national entrance examination and common merit
list
Respected Hon'ble Prime Minister,
I respectfully submit this proposal for consideration by the Government of India to establish a
Unified National Science and Health Entrance Test (UNSHET) as a single national entrance
examination for admission to undergraduate medical, engineering, science, agriculture, and allied
professional courses across the country.
The objective of this proposal is to promote educational equality, reduce examination burden on
students, simplify the admission process, encourage multidisciplinary scientific learning, and
establish a transparent national merit-based system for all science students.
Background
At present, science students are required to appear for multiple national-level entrance
examinations such as:
• NEET-UG for medical and allied health courses.
• JEE Main for engineering and technology courses.
• Various state-level and institution-specific entrance examinations.
This multi-examination framework creates several challenges:
• Increased academic pressure and stress.
• Financial burden on students and families.
• Dependence on expensive coaching systems.
• Duplication of testing infrastructure and administrative expenditure.
• Artificial division between Mathematics and Biology streams at the Higher Secondary
level.
The successful implementation of NEET-UG has demonstrated the effectiveness of a national
unified entrance examination. Building upon this model, a common entrance examination for all
science disciplines can further strengthen India's higher education system.
Proposal
Establishment of UNSHET
The Government of India may establish the Unified National Science and Health Entrance Test
(UNSHET) under the National Testing Agency (NTA) through suitable amendments in relevant
laws, regulations, and admission frameworks administered by:
• Ministry of Education
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
• National Medical Commission (NMC)
• AICTE
• UGC
• Other relevant statutory bodies
The proposed examination shall replace:
• NEET-UG
• JEE Main
and function as the sole national entrance examination for admissions to undergraduate science-
related professional and academic programmes.
Eligibility
The examination shall be open to:
• All candidates who have passed Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)/Class XII or
equivalent examination from a recognized board.
• Students from CBSE, CISCE, State Boards, NIOS, and equivalent institutions.
• Candidates irrespective of the year of passing, subject to regulations prescribed for
specific courses by the Government of India and competent authorities.
Examination Pattern
The examination pattern shall remain identical to the present NEET-UG structure.
Subject Number of Questions
Physics 45
Chemistry 45
Mathematics 45
Biology 45
Total 180
Marking Scheme
• Correct Answer: +4 Marks
• Incorrect Answer: -1 Mark
• Unattempted Question: 0 Marks
Maximum Marks
720 Marks
Mode of Examination
• Computer Based Test (CBT)
• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Syllabus primarily based on NCERT Classes XI and XII
Common National Merit List
A single All India Merit List shall be prepared on the basis of the aggregate marks obtained in:
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Biology
Merit Formula
UNSHET Score = Physics + Chemistry + Mathematics + Biology
Maximum Score: 720 Marks
There shall be:
• No separate PCM merit list.
• No separate PCB merit list.
• No separate PCMB merit list.
• No separate engineering rank list.
• No separate medical rank list.
Every student shall compete through one common national merit list irrespective of intended
career choice.
Admissions Through UNSHET
Admissions through the common merit list may be utilized for:
Medical and Health Sciences
• MBBS
• BDS
• BAMS
• BHMS
• BUMS
• BSMS
• Nursing
• Physiotherapy
• Veterinary Sciences
• Allied Health Sciences
• Other healthcare programmes
Engineering and Technology
• B.Tech
• B.E.
• Integrated Engineering Programmes
• Emerging Technology Programmes
Science and Research
• B.Sc.
• Integrated B.Sc.-M.Sc.
• Biotechnology
• Agriculture
• Environmental Sciences
• Data Science
• Basic Sciences
• Research-oriented Programmes
Expected Benefits
Educational Benefits
• Encourages comprehensive study of all major science subjects.
• Promotes multidisciplinary learning and innovation.
• Eliminates rigid division between Biology and Mathematics streams.
• Enhances career flexibility for students.
Benefits to Students
• One examination instead of multiple entrance tests.
• Reduced mental stress and examination burden.
• Lower application, travel, and coaching expenses.
• Equal opportunities for rural and urban students.
Administrative Benefits
• Better utilization of national testing infrastructure.
• Elimination of duplication in examination administration.
• Greater transparency and uniformity in admissions.
• Simplified counselling and seat allocation processes.
National Benefits
• Advances the vision of "One Nation, One Examination."
• Creates a common national benchmark for scientific aptitude.
• Promotes educational equity across all regions.
• Supports development of a highly skilled scientific workforce.
Request for Consideration
I humbly request the Government of India to constitute a High-Level Expert Committee
comprising representatives from:
• Ministry of Education
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
• National Medical Commission
• AICTE
• UGC
• National Testing Agency
• IITs
• AIIMS
• IISERs
• State Governments
• Universities and Academic Experts
to study the feasibility of implementing the Unified National Science and Health Entrance Test
(UNSHET) and creating a single national merit-based admission system for all science-related
undergraduate programmes.
Such a reform would greatly simplify admissions, reduce student burden, improve transparency,
and foster multidisciplinary scientific education in India.
I sincerely request the Government of India to examine this proposal in the larger interest of
students and the nation's future.
Yours faithfully,
Shri Vinay Dadmal
House No. 55, Swarajnagar
Behind Omkarnagar
Mahewada Ring Road
Nagpur – 440027
Maharashtra, India
Place: Nagpur
Date: 10.08.2025
Email: dadmalv2015@gmail.com
Annexure-I: Feasibility Report
Executive Summary
This proposal recommends the introduction of a Unified National Science and Health Entrance
Test (UNSHET) to replace NEET-UG and JEE Main with a single examination and a common All
India Merit List for admissions to science, engineering, medical, agriculture, and allied
professional programmes.
Technical Feasibility
Assessment: High
India already possesses:
• National Testing Agency (NTA) infrastructure.
• Nationwide CBT examination centres.
• Digital registration and evaluation systems.
• Experience in conducting large-scale national examinations.
Accordingly, implementation can be achieved with minimal additional infrastructure.
Academic Feasibility
Assessment: High
The proposed examination evaluates the four core science subjects:
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Biology
Together, these subjects comprehensively assess scientific aptitude, analytical reasoning,
problem-solving ability, and conceptual understanding.
Administrative Feasibility
Assessment: Moderate to High
Implementation would require:
• Regulatory and legislative amendments.
• Coordination between educational and health-sector regulators.
• Development of a common counselling framework.
Given existing institutional structures, implementation is achievable through a phased approach.
Economic Feasibility
Assessment: High
Expected benefits include:
• Reduction in expenditure on multiple examinations.
• Lower costs for students and families.
• Improved efficiency in public spending.
• Better utilization of testing resources.
Social Impact
Positive Outcomes
• Reduced examination stress.
• Greater educational accessibility.
• Increased social and regional equity.
• Enhanced mobility across disciplines.
• Simplified admission system.
Challenges
• Transition management.
• Stakeholder consultations.
• Regulatory harmonization among institutions.
Suggested Implementation Roadmap
Phase I
• Formation of Expert Committee.
• National stakeholder consultations.
• Drafting of necessary amendments and regulations.
Phase II
• Pilot implementation.
• Evaluation of outcomes.
• Development of counselling framework.
Phase III
• Full-scale national implementation.
• Replacement of NEET-UG and JEE Main.
• Adoption of a single All India Merit List.
Conclusion
The proposed Unified National Science and Health Entrance Test (UNSHET) is administratively
practical, technologically feasible, academically sound, and economically beneficial. By
establishing a single entrance examination and a common national merit list, India can create a
more transparent, equitable, efficient, and student-centric admission system while advancing the
vision of integrated scientific education and national educational reform.
No comments:
Post a Comment