The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Postgraduate), scheduled for August 30, is undergoing significant updates aimed at enhancing convenience for candidates. The Centre plans to expand test location options, provide more time for candidates to arrange travel to their examination cities, and allow additional time per question during the test. These reforms, according to the Union Health Ministry, are designed to streamline the testing process.
As of now, a total of 2,73,183 candidates have registered for NEET (PG) 2026, marking an increase of over 12.5% compared to last year. The exam will be conducted in a single shift at approximately 340 cities and over 1,300 examination centres.
Enhanced Security Measures
Comprehensive security arrangements have been implemented to ensure the integrity of the examination process. These measures include advance sealing and verification of examination centres, CCTV surveillance, biometric authentication, candidate frisking, the deployment of signal jammers, dynamic computation, and live monitoring via central and regional command centres. Additionally, there will be real-time supervision by independent observers and appraisers, with over 60,000 examination functionaries working to facilitate the process.
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has established a dedicated email address for reporting impersonation, touting, and other unfair practices. Regular advisories will be issued to candidates to promote awareness and vigilance.
Aadhaar and Biometric Verification
To further strengthen the integrity of the examination, Aadhaar-based authentication will be implemented during both the application phase and on examination day. Where fingerprint verification fails, iris-based biometric checks will be employed.
Changes in Exam Management
Under the new system, candidates must specify three state preferences for their examination centre, with their selected state being the mandatory first choice. This change enables the allotment of centres closer to candidates’ places of residence. Previously, cities were assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, pressuring applicants to rush their registrations. Delayed applications often resulted in candidates having to travel to distant states.
In another significant update, candidates will learn their allotted test city almost three weeks before the examination, allowing ample time for travel arrangements and accommodation.
The NBEMS has also revised the examination format to include 180 questions to be completed in 210 minutes, granting candidates more time per question while maintaining the overall duration of the exam. This adjustment is expected to alleviate some of the stress candidates have traditionally faced.
In the past, the examination had occasionally been conducted in two shifts due to unforeseen circumstances, but for 2026, it will be held in a single shift to ensure a uniform difficulty level and assessment for all candidates. This change aims to reduce anxiety for candidates who often received venue and location details very close to the test date, leaving little time to arrange travel or lodging.
