NEW DELHI: More than 2.7 lakh medical graduates have already registered for the NEET-PG 2026, marking a significant increase of over 12.5% compared to last year. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) is implementing improved authentication processes and candidate-friendly initiatives ahead of the exam scheduled for August 30.
For this year’s examination, candidates will utilize Aadhaar-based authentication during registration and on the examination day. In instances where fingerprint authentication fails, iris-based biometric verification will be employed. Furthermore, candidates must select three preferred states for their exam centres, with their correspondence state designated as the mandatory first preference.
Information regarding test cities will be released approximately three weeks prior to the examination, allowing candidates ample time for travel and accommodation arrangements.
Exam Structure and Security Measures
The NEET-PG 2026 will feature 180 questions to be completed in 210 minutes, providing candidates with additional time per question while maintaining the overall duration of the exam.
On Saturday, Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviewed the preparations for the examination and instructed officials to guarantee a smooth, transparent, and technology-driven process that adheres to the highest standards of security and integrity.
He urged candidates not to succumb to any rumors or fraudulent claims regarding potential question paper leaks, stating, “The final paper is selected through a highly encrypted and time-bound process shortly before the exam, making any prior access claims entirely false.”
Officials confirmed that the examination will be conducted under a comprehensive security framework that includes CCTV surveillance, biometric authentication, candidate frisking, signal jammers, dynamic computer allocation, live monitoring through central and regional command centers, along with independent observers. More than 60,000 personnel will oversee the examination process.
Reinforced Question Paper Security
The end-to-end process for question paper preparation and delivery has been bolstered with multiple layers of encryption, secure offline preparation, and controlled digital decryption at the scheduled commencement of the test. This ensures robust protection against any unauthorized access.
Additionally, NBEMS has established a dedicated email address for candidates to report impersonation, touting, and other unfair practices, while consistently issuing advisories to keep candidates informed.
