NEW DELHI: The Indian government has unveiled significant changes to the NEET-PG examination, scheduled for later this month. These alterations include an expanded selection of test locations, extended time for travel planning, and increased time allocated for each question, aiming to enhance convenience and security in the examination process.
According to the Union Health Ministry, the revised structure mandates candidates to choose preferences for three states as their examination centers. Notably, the candidate’s correspondence state will be their mandatory first preference, facilitating the allotment of centers closer to their residences.
Previously, examination centers were assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, compelling candidates to submit applications immediately once registrations commenced. Those who delayed often found themselves without nearby centers, forcing them to travel to other states.
Candidates will learn their designated test city about three weeks prior to the examination on August 30, allowing ample time for travel and accommodation arrangements.
Changes in Examination Pattern
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has also announced adjustments to the exam format. The number of questions has been reduced from 200 to 180, while the total examination duration remains unchanged at 210 minutes, offering candidates more time per question.
The examination has historically consisted of 200 multiple-choice questions with a maximum score of 800 marks.
Enhanced Security Measures
To bolster security, the ministry highlighted improvements in the question paper preparation and delivery processes. These include multiple encryption layers, secure offline preparations, finalization of papers shortly before the exam, and controlled digital decryption at the time of the test.
Furthermore, Aadhaar-based authentication will be implemented during both registration and the examination day. In cases where fingerprint authentication fails, iris-based biometric verification will be employed.
NBEMS has established a dedicated email address for reporting impersonation, touting, and other unfair practices, while also issuing advisories to candidates to enhance their awareness and vigilance.
Uniform Exam Conduct and Participation Figures
For NEET-PG 2026, examinations will be conducted in a single shift to ensure consistency in difficulty levels and assessment. In recent years, the exam was split into multiple shifts due to various disruptions.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviewed the exam preparations on Saturday, urging involved agencies to secure a smooth, transparent, and technology-driven process. He evaluated the readiness of NBEMS, technology partners, and other stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of a fair, candidate-friendly examination.
A total of 2,73,183 candidates have registered for this medical entrance exam, marking an increase of over 12.5% compared to last year. The exam will take place in a single shift across approximately 340 cities and more than 1,300 centers.
The government has implemented security measures that include advance sealing and verification of centers, CCTV surveillance, biometric authentication, candidate frisking, deployment of signal jammers, and live monitoring through central and regional command centers, with oversight from independent observers and appraisers.
Over 60,000 examination functionaries will be assigned to ensure the smooth execution of the test, as stated by the ministry.
(With PTI inputs)
