NEET PG 2026: Aspirants fear fresh delays as registration yet to begin, Doctors' body seeks exam schedule clarity

Vijayawada: With the National Eligibility-Entrance Test for Postgraduates (NEET PG) 2026 scheduled for August 30, aspirants across the country are expressing concern over possible last-minute changes, due to the past history of repeated postponements over the last two years.

The aspirants are worried due to the delay in the registration process for NEET-PG 2026, despite the examination being less than three months away. They fear that some disruptions might also take place this year.

Several candidates claimed that the uncertainty surrounding the examination schedule has made it difficult to focus on preparation. In addition to this, the aspirants are also stressed following the recent cancellation and rescheduling of NEET-UG 2026 following allegations of question paper leaks.

Doctors have urged the authorities to provide clarity on the NEET-PG 2026 schedule and related timelines.

Also read- NEET PG 2026 tentatively scheduled for August 30th

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) had postponed NEET-PG multiple times in recent years. In 2024, the examination was rescheduled three times before finally being conducted on August 11. One of the postponements was announced only hours before the scheduled June 23 examination. In 2025, the exam was postponed once and eventually held on August 3.

Commenting on this, Dr Jaideep Kumar Choudhary, National Chairman, FAIMA, told Medical Dialogues, "This is a grave matter of concern that every year the exams and the counseling both are getting delayed. The MCC must redress their system now as it deeply affects the aspirants and the patient care at large. Every year FAIMA is coming up with this concern and has informed the authorities but they have not done anything to curb these delays. So, ultimately the sufferers are the common people who get the benefit through the services provided by the resident doctors (PGs). I urge the Health Ministry to directly intervene and help in conducting the NEET- PG examination and the counseling on time."

"Students invest years of hard work and make significant personal and financial sacrifices to prepare for this examination. They deserve a transparent, predictable, and timely process. Delays in registration not only disrupt preparation strategies but also create apprehension regarding the examination schedule, counselling timelines, and academic calendar. We urge the concerned authorities to immediately provide clarity regarding the registration process, examination schedule, and all related timelines. Timely communication is essential to ensure that candidates can focus on their preparation rather than being burdened by uncertainty. The medical community stands with NEET PG aspirants and supports their demand for transparency, accountability, and timely updates. The future of thousands of young doctors should not be subjected to avoidable delays and confusion. We hope that the authorities will address these concerns at the earliest and take all necessary steps to ensure a smooth, fair, and transparent examination process for NEET PG 2026 aspirants," said Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, National Spokesperson, FAIMA.

Meanwhile, Dr Meet Ghonia, General Secretary, FORDA, told Medical Dialogues that the registration is expected to start before 60 days of the exam.

A Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) who completed his medical education in Kyrgyzstan, told The Hindu, "Last year, just when we were all set to write the exam, we got to know that the exam was postponed. The information came at around midnight, a few hours before the exam was to begin."

After his internship in May 2024, he spent two years making repeated visits from his hometown in Srikakulam to the A.P. Medical Council (APMC) in Vijayawada for permanent registration, without which a foreign medical graduate cannot practise or pursue further studies. After protests, requests and more visits, he received the registration in May 2026.

"While the previous two attempts were only for practice, I have pinned all hopes on the upcoming exam," he says, adding that two years had already been wasted by the delays on the part of the APMC, and that he could not afford to lose more time.

"Earlier, the exam used to be held in June-July, and by January-end the admission process would be over. But last year, students who secured seats in the first round of counselling joined classes only by January-end," he said, hoping the admission process this year is completed without delays.

Another student from Vijayawada and now preparing for the exam in Hyderabad, said that his anxiety has grown after reports of the NEET-UG paper leaks, making it hard for him to concentrate.

Also read- NEET PG 2026 Registration Delay: Impact On Counselling and Academic Schedule - Video