Misuse of NEET PG aspirants data, fraud calls! Doctors' body demands probe
New Delhi: Highlighting the issue concerning possible misuse of the data of National Eligibility-Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET PG) aspirants, a doctors' body has now sought a probe into the matter.
Speaking about this, Dr. Lakshya Mittal, the Chairperson of the United Doctors Front (UDF), told Medical Dialogues, "In this crucial stage when the counselling for NEET-PG is going on, UDF has been receiving multiple complaints from the aspirants, as they are getting targeted calls for guaranteed admissions, with the promises of fixed packages and confirmed seats. The pattern and timing of these calls are raising serious concerns and possibly indicating towards data misuse and data leak."
"UDF is compiling all these complaints and we are going to submit the same to the concerned authorities and demand for strict action and investigation. One thing is very clear, NEET PG admissions are being made through complete transparency and strict counselling. No admission shall happen through backdoor methods or outside the counselling process. Therefore, aspirants should stay alert and stay safe from fraud," he added.
What is the issue?
Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported how several NEET PG 2025 aspirants had alleged that sensitive personal data, including contact details , exam scores, and ranks, were being sold online. According to the candidates, the information, which is accessible only to examinees and the exam authority, surfaced on websites and messaging platforms, where it is being marketed as "NEET PG 2025 student databases".
They reported that such data also includes their names, details of their parents, phone numbers, email IDs, cities, states, roll numbers, scores, and ranks. In fact, several students have also reported "receiving unsolicited calls and messages from admission agents and private counsellors claiming they could arrange MD or MS seats outside the official counselling system run by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC)."
A simple web search using the terms related to NEET PG and student data had earlier showed multiple listings of 'NEET PG 2025 Student Database' packaged as online goods, and the prices for the same ranged between Rs 3,000 to Rs 8,500. In fact, some of the documents were easily accessible with a mere download of the sample data.
One such sample data showed the names of 201 students along with their phone numbers, PG roll numbers, city, state, father's name, and email IDs. The data also included scores and ranks of each of the students. Although this was only a sample, the full document is available for sale at Rs 3,599.
Earlier, while speaking to media channels, some students had alleged that they were aware of the alleged breach, while others had expressed shock at learning that such detailed personal information was publicly available.
The students had also questioned the role of NBEMS, which conducted the NEET PG 2025 exam, in the data breach. Some of the students have also claimed that the data is being circulated widely on Telegram channels and independent websites.
Earlier, NBEMS officials had denied any data breach at their level, adding that once the data is shared for counselling, it moves across multiple stakeholders, and therefore, at this stage, it is not possible to conclusively say where the breach happened.
NBEMS sources further added that access to candidates' information is tightly restricted and only a limited number of authorised personnel are allowed role-based access, and no provision for data retrieval. Officials had further mentioned earlier that NBEMS had submitted its report on the matter to the Union Health Ministry, and the issue was under scrutiny.
Also Read: NEET PG 2025 candidates data for sale online! What we know so far
