Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda reviewed the preparedness for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG) 2026 examination scheduled for 30th August 2026. The review assessed the preparedness of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), technology partners, and other stakeholders, focusing on examination logistics, candidate facilitation measures, security architecture, and technology-driven interventions.
A total of 273,183 candidates have successfully 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 to enhance accessibility nationwide.
The Minister emphasized the need for fair, transparent, and candidate-friendly examination processes with the highest standards of integrity and security. He 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.
Key student-centric reforms for NEET-PG 2026 include expanded choice of test locations requiring candidates to indicate three state preferences with correspondence state as mandatory first preference, enhanced candidate convenience with test city intimation issued nearly three weeks before examination, optimized examination pattern rationalized to 180 questions to be answered in 210 minutes, 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 layers of encryption, 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 for a smooth, secure, and hassle-free examination process, reiterating the government's commitment to conducting medical entrance examinations with highest standards of transparency, fairness, and technological robustness.
Attendees at the meeting included Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava (Secretary, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare), Dr. Loveneesh G Krishna (DGHS), Dr. Abhijat Sheth (President, NBEMS), Dr. Vinod Kotwal (Addl. Secretary, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare), Shri Kumar Rahul (Director, Union Health Ministry), Dr. Raghav Langer (Secretary, NMC), and Dr. Minu Bajpai (Honorary Executive Director, NBEMS).