NEET PG 2026 reforms: Candidates to get nearby exam centres, city intimation 3 weeks earlier- Here's all you need to know
New Delhi: The upcoming NEET PG 2026 examination will bring several candidate-friendly changes, with the Centre introducing a new exam centre allotment system, more time per question, earlier test city intimation, expand the choice of test locations, give candidates more time to plan travel to their examination cities and enhanced security measures to make the PG medical entrance examination smoother and more transparent.
The reforms are aimed at making the process more convenient for National Eligibility-Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG) candidates, according to the Union health ministry. The reforms were announced after Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda reviewed the preparedness for the examination scheduled on August 30.
During the review, the Minister assessed the preparedness of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), technology partners and other stakeholders involved in conducting the examination. He was briefed on examination logistics, candidate facilitation measures, the security architecture and the technology-driven interventions introduced for NEET-PG 2026.
A total of 2,73,183 candidates have successfully registered for NEET-PG 2026, representing an increase of over 12.5% compared to the previous year. The examination will be conducted in a single shift across approximately 340 cities and over 1,300 examination centres, significantly enhancing accessibility for candidates across the country.
Three State Preferences for Exam Centre
Earlier, exam cities were allotted on a first come, first-served basis prompting candidates to rush to submit their applications as soon as the registration window opened, a PTI source explained. Those who delayed often found all nearby centres filled, forcing them to travel to other states to appear for the exam.
Instead of the earlier system, the candidates will now be asked to choose three preferred states for their examination centre.
The first preference must be the state mentioned in their correspondence address. This is expected to help candidates get centres closer to their homes and reduce the need to travel to distant states.
Exam City Details to Be Shared Earlier
Candidates will also receive information about their allotted examination city around three weeks before the exam on August 30. The advance notice is expected to give candidates more time to arrange travel and accommodation, particularly those who have to appear outside their home city.
More Time Per Question
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has also revised the examination pattern. While the exam previously had 200 multiple choice questions with a maximum score of 800 marks.
The exam will now have 180 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 210 minutes. The overall duration remains the same, but candidates will get more time for each question.
Single-Shift Examination
According to the Health Ministry, NEET PG 2026 will be conducted in a single shift across the country.
Recently, the exam had been conducted in two shifts due to emergencies or postponements but the 2026 edition will be held in a single shift to ensure uniformity in the difficulty level and assessment of candidates.
Aadhaar verification and biometric checks
The ministry has also introduced additional authentication measures. Aadhaar-based authentication will be incorporated both during application and on the examination day.
Iris-based biometric verification will be used wherever fingerprint authentication is unsuccessful, further strengthening the integrity of the examination process.
Robust Multi-Layered Security Framework
The Minister also reviewed the comprehensive security arrangements put in place for the examination, including advance sealing and verification of examination centres, CCTV surveillance, biometric authentication, candidate frisking, deployment of signal jammers, dynamic comput, live monitoring through central and regional command centres, and real-time supervision by independent observers and appraisers. More than 60,000 examination functionaries will be deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination.
The end-to-end question paper preparation and delivery process has been further reinforced through multiple layers of encryption, secure offline preparation, time-bound finalisation of the question paper shortly before the examination, and controlled digital decryption only at the scheduled commencement of the test.
To further strengthen transparency and curb unfair practices, NBEMS has operationalised a dedicated email address for reporting instances of impersonation, touting and other unfair means, while issuing regular advisories to candidates to promote awareness and vigilance.
The Minister directed all concerned agencies to maintain close coordination and ensure that every candidate experiences a smooth, secure and hassle-free examination process. He reiterated the Government's commitment to conducting medical entrance examinations with the highest standards of transparency, fairness and technological robustness.
The Minister stressed that every effort must be made to ensure a fair, transparent and candidate-friendly examination while upholding the highest standards of integrity and security.
Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda urged candidates not to be misled by rumours or fraudulent claims relating to the examination. He highlighted that the final question paper is selected through a highly secure, encrypted and time-bound process shortly before the commencement of the examination, with multiple layers of technological and operational safeguards ensuring its confidentiality until the scheduled start time. Any claim of prior access to the question paper by anyone is therefore entirely false and intended to mislead candidates. He advised aspirants to rely only on official communications issued by NBEMS and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and to promptly report any suspicious activities or attempts at unfair practices.
