NEET-PG 2026: Candidates to Get Exam Centres Near Home, Test City Details 3 Weeks Early

New Delhi, July 02 : The Union Health Ministry has announced a comprehensive set of reforms for NEET-PG 2026, introducing measures aimed at improving candidate convenience while strengthening the integrity of the postgraduate medical entrance examination. The changes include expanded examination centre options, earlier notification of test cities, additional time per question and enhanced technology-based security protocols.

According to the ministry, aspirants will now be able to select three preferred states for their examination centres. The state mentioned in the correspondence address will serve as the mandatory first preference, enabling authorities to allot centres closer to candidates’ homes and significantly reduce travel-related challenges.

Another major relief for candidates is the advance communication of the allotted examination city. Instead of receiving the information shortly before the examination, candidates will now be informed nearly three weeks before the scheduled test on August 30, allowing sufficient time to arrange transportation and accommodation.

The examination pattern has also been revised. Candidates will now answer 180 questions in 210 minutes, providing additional time for each question while maintaining the overall examination duration. The move is expected to reduce pressure during the test and improve the overall examination experience.

To reinforce the credibility of the examination, the ministry has introduced stronger digital security mechanisms throughout the question paper preparation and delivery process. The system now features multiple layers of encryption, secure offline paper preparation, last-minute finalisation before the examination and controlled digital decryption only at the scheduled start time, minimising the risk of any compromise.

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has further strengthened vigilance by launching a dedicated email facility through which candidates can report cases of impersonation, touting or any other unfair practices. Regular advisories are also being issued to spread awareness and encourage candidates to remain alert against fraudulent activities.

Authentication procedures have been upgraded with the introduction of Aadhaar-based verification during both the application process and on the examination day. In cases where fingerprint authentication is unsuccessful, iris based biometric verification will be used as an alternative to ensure accurate identity verification.

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda reviewed the preparations for the examination and directed all agencies involved to ensure that the process remains secure, transparent and technology driven. He assessed the readiness of NBEMS, technology partners and other stakeholders, emphasising that every aspect of the examination must prioritise fairness and candidate convenience.

This year, 2,73,183 candidates have registered for the examination, representing an increase of more than 12.5 per cent compared to the previous year. The examination will be conducted in a single shift across nearly 340 cities at over 1,300 examination centres nationwide.

Authorities have also implemented extensive security arrangements, including advance verification and sealing of examination centres, continuous CCTV surveillance, biometric authentication, candidate frisking, deployment of signal jammers, live monitoring through central and regional command centres, dynamic computer allocation and supervision by independent observers.

More than 60,000 examination personnel will be deployed across the country to oversee the smooth conduct of the examination, reflecting the government’s focus on delivering a secure, transparent and efficient admission process for postgraduate medical aspirants.