NEET-PG 2026 gets major overhaul: Centres closer to home, single-shift exam, fewer questions
The Indian government has announced significant reforms to the NEET-PG 2026 examination, including localized test centers and a revised exam pattern. The changes aim to improve convenience and security through Aadhaar-based authentication and encrypted question delivery.
Why it matters
These reforms directly impact the career trajectory of thousands of medical graduates in India by reducing travel burdens and enhancing the integrity of the high-stakes entrance process.
NEW DELHI: The Centre has announced a series of changes for the NEET-PG exam to be held later in the month, including expanding the choice of test locations, giving candidates more time to plan travel, and increasing the time available per question.The reforms are aimed at making the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG) process more convenient and secure, according to the Union health ministry.Under the revised system, candidates will have to provide preferences for three states for their examination centre. Their correspondence state will be the mandatory first preference, allowing allotment of centres closer to their place of residence.Earlier, examination centres were allotted on a first-come, first-served basis, prompting candidates to submit applications immediately after registrations opened.
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