Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda reviewed the preparedness for NEET-PG 2026 examination scheduled for 30th August 2026, focusing on ensuring smooth, secure, transparent and technology-enabled conduct. The review assessed the preparedness of National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), technology partners and other stakeholders, covering examination logistics, candidate facilitation measures, security architecture and technology-driven interventions.
A total of 273,183 candidates have registered for NEET-PG 2026, representing a 12.5% increase compared to the previous year. The examination will be conducted in a single shift across approximately 340 cities and over 1,300 examination centers nationwide.
The Minister emphasized the need for fair, transparent and candidate-friendly examination processes while maintaining highest standards of integrity and security. He specifically warned candidates against falling prey to rumors or fraudulent claims, highlighting that the final question paper is selected through a highly secure, encrypted and time-bound process shortly before examination commencement with multiple technological and operational safeguards ensuring confidentiality until scheduled start time.
Key student-centric reforms for NEET-PG 2026 include expanded choice of test locations requiring three state preferences with correspondence state as mandatory first preference, test city intimation nearly three weeks before examination to enable travel planning, optimized examination pattern of 180 questions to be answered in 210 minutes providing more time per question, and strengthened authentication incorporating Aadhaar-based authentication during application and examination day with iris-based biometric verification where fingerprint authentication fails.
The security framework includes advance sealing and verification of examination centers, CCTV surveillance, biometric authentication, candidate frisking, deployment of signal jammers, dynamic computer monitoring, live monitoring through central and regional command centers, and real-time supervision by independent observers and appraisers. More than 60,000 examination functionaries will be deployed to ensure smooth conduct. The question paper preparation and delivery process features multiple encryption layers, secure offline preparation, time-bound finalization shortly before examination, and controlled digital decryption only at scheduled commencement.
NBEMS has operationalized a dedicated email address for reporting instances of impersonation, touting and other unfair means while issuing regular advisories to promote candidate awareness and vigilance. The Minister directed all concerned agencies to maintain close coordination to ensure smooth, secure and hassle-free examination process for every candidate.