Far-off NEET PG 2025 exam centres spark concern among medical candidates

India Today

5 days ago

With the NEET-PG exam scheduled for August 3, several candidates have raised alarm over being assigned test centres in states far from their hometowns. The Indian Medical Association–Junior Doctors' Network (IMA-JDN) has written to Union Health Minister J P Nadda, urging immediate intervention to address the issue.The association highlighted that while some students received centres close to home, a large number have been allotted venues in distant states, forcing them to undertake long and costly journeys. 'This situation is deeply concerning, particularly for candidates from economically weaker families, women, and those living in remote or rural regions,' the IMA-JDN noted in a statement.advertisementThe body has requested the Health Ministry to instruct the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) to reopen the exam centre change portal, allowing candidates to choose centres closer to their place of residence. It warned that such disparities not only affect fairness but may also impact students' mental health and their performance in this high-stakes, once-a-year test.
On July 21, the NBEMS released exam intimation slips, with admit cards set to be issued on July 31. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will take up on August 3 a set of petitions questioning the transparency of the NEET-PG evaluation system.A bench of Justices K Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria briefly heard the matter, which includes calls for the release of question papers, answer keys, and detailed response sheets. According to a petition filed by advocate Tanvi Dubey, the lack of clarity in the evaluation process undermines candidates' confidence and raises questions about accountability.(With PTI Inputs)- EndsMust Watch