NEET-PG 2026 major overhauls: Single shift exam, centres closer to home; Centre announces major reforms
According to the Union Health Ministry, the exam will now be held in a single shift, so all candidates take the same question paper under the same conditions.
PTC News Desk: The Centre has announced several changes to the NEET-PG 2026 exam to make it fairer, more secure and more convenient for candidates.
According to the Union Health Ministry, the exam will now be held in a single shift, so all candidates take the same question paper under the same conditions. In recent years, the exam had been conducted in multiple shifts due to unforeseen circumstances.
Exam centres closer to home
The process for choosing exam centres has also changed. Instead of the earlier first-come, first-served system, candidates will now have to select three preferred states while filling out the application form. Their correspondence state must be their first choice, helping authorities allot centres closer to where they live.
Officials said that holding the exam in a single shift will ensure equal difficulty for everyone and make the evaluation process fairer.
More time for each question
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has also updated the exam pattern. NEET-PG 2026 will now have 180 questions to be completed in 210 minutes, giving candidates more time for each question.
Earlier, the exam had 200 multiple-choice questions carrying a total of 800 marks.
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda reviewed preparations for NEET-PG 2026 and directed all agencies to ensure the exam is conducted smoothly, securely, transparently and with the help of technology.