NEET, JEE coaching dependence: Expert panel calls for major curriculum overhaul

NEW DELHI: The gap between what students learn in schools and what is tested in national entrance exams is pushing them towards private coaching institutes, a committee of experts appointed by the Union government has found. In its report submitted to the Ministry of Education, the committee said coaching dependence cannot be reduced without bridging the gap between school education and entrance examinations.

The difficulty level of NEET-UG and JEE is higher than the preparation level of an average student, according to the committee. An analysis of NEET-UG question papers from 2023, 2024 and 2025 found Physics to be the most difficult section. In all three years, the difficulty level of the questions was higher than what an average candidate was prepared for. Even a difference of a few marks in Physics can lead to a change of thousands of ranks.

The situation is no different in JEE. The committee examined the 2025 question papers and noted their high difficulty level. Only a small number of candidates managed to score very high marks.

Curriculum needs better alignment

1. NEET and JEE test students on conceptual understanding, application skills and higher-order problem-solving abilities. The committee found that these skills are not adequately developed through regular school education.
2. NCERT and state board curricula should be better aligned with the standards of entrance examinations. The committee also recommended greater uniformity among the curricula followed by different education boards.
3. A gap of at least six months should be maintained between board examinations and entrance tests. The committee also recommended conducting exams such as NEET and JEE at least twice a year. The aim is to reduce exam-related stress and students’ dependence on private coaching.
4. The recommendations come as the Centre is working on plans to provide free online coaching to all students. The key message of the report is that schools themselves should become the foundation for entrance exam preparation instead of students having to depend on private coaching institutes.