NEET Undergraduate has emerged as the fifth-largest examination in the world by applicant volume, according to a State Bank of India Research report.

Around 2.5 million candidates appear for NEET UG. It is the only Indian examination among the world's ten largest by applicant numbers.

The report, titled 'The State of Higher Education in India since 2014', compared major examinations across countries by candidate volume.

SBI Research also highlighted the need for reforms in the National Testing Agency, which conducts the examination.

NEET is the gateway to medical colleges in India. Its scale makes fair and secure conduct a national challenge.

The examination has faced controversies over paper leaks and irregularities. Courts and panels have suggested changes.

Reforms could include better security and transparency in the testing process. The report adds weight to those demands.

With 25 lakh aspirants, NEET's smooth conduct matters to millions of families every year.

The examination season also brings coaching debates. Experts say better school-level science teaching could reduce the pressure on aspirants.