More Choices for Test Centres Among Key Changes Introduced for NEET PG 2026
The Union Health Ministry has announced a series of reforms for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Postgraduate) 2026, scheduled for August 30. The changes are designed to make the examination process more candidate-friendly, convenient, and secure. Ahead of the exam, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda reviewed preparedness on August 1, 2026, directing participating agencies to ensure a smooth, transparent, and technology-enabled process.
What Happened
During the review meeting with the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), technology partners, and other key stakeholders, Health Minister J.P. Nadda emphasized the necessity of a fair testing environment. A total of 2,73,183 candidates have registered for NEET (PG) 2026, representing an increase of over 12.5 percent compared to last year. The test will be conducted in a single shift across approximately 340 cities and more than 1,300 test centres, supported by over 60,000 examination functionaries.
Key Highlights
- Revised Question Pattern: The exam has been rationalised to 180 questions to be answered in 210 minutes, giving candidates more time per question while maintaining total exam duration. The exam previously contained 200 multiple-choice questions for maximum 800 marks.
- State Preferences for Test Centres: Candidates will select three State preferences for their test location, with their correspondence State as the mandatory first choice to help allot centres closer to their residence.
- Advance City Notification: Candidates will be informed of their allotted test city nearly three weeks prior to the examination, allowing extra time to arrange travel and accommodation.
- Single-Shift Conduct: The 2026 edition will take place in a single shift to ensure uniform assessment and difficulty levels across all candidates.
- Strengthened Security System: Security features include end-to-end question paper encryption, controlled digital decryption at start time, Aadhaar-based authentication, Iris verification when fingerprint authentication fails, CCTV surveillance, signal jammers, dynamic computing, central command monitoring, and real-time supervision by observers.
- Anti-Fraud Measures: NBEMS has set up a dedicated email address for reporting impersonation, touting, and unfair practices while issuing advisories to promote vigilance.
Why This Matters
The new measures directly address logistical difficulties previously reported by candidates. Previously, examination cities were allotted on a first-come, first-served basis, causing a rush at registration opening and forcing late applicants to travel to other States when nearby centres filled up. Additionally, venue details were previously released very close to the exam date, creating travel planning stress. Early city allotment nearly three weeks in advance and prioritizing residence-based state preferences aim to alleviate these travel issues, while the single-shift format guarantees consistent evaluation conditions.
What to Watch Next
Candidates will receive notification regarding their allotted test city nearly three weeks before the August 30 examination date. NBEMS will continue issuing regular advisories to keep applicants informed and vigilant ahead of the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is NEET PG 2026 scheduled?
The examination is scheduled to take place on August 30, 2026, in a single shift.
How has the NEET PG 2026 exam pattern changed?
The test now features 180 questions to be answered in 210 minutes, allowing candidates more time per question compared to the previous pattern of 200 questions.
How are test cities allotted under the new process?
Applicants select three State preferences, with their correspondence State as the mandatory first choice, and will be informed of their allotted city nearly three weeks before the exam date.
Source: Based on official information from the Union Health Ministry and reporting by The Hindu.