The Centre has announced sweeping reforms to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG) 2026, introducing a single-shift examination, a new system for allocating test centres, revised exam patterns and enhanced security measures. Here's what candidates need to know.

NEET-PG 2026: Key changes explained

The Centre has rolled out a series of reforms for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG) 2026, aimed at making the examination more transparent, secure and candidate-friendly.

The changes cover everything from how candidates are allotted examination centres to the way the question paper is prepared and delivered. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has also announced reforms to streamline the admission process after the examination.

The Union Health Ministry said the measures are intended to improve fairness, reduce travel-related difficulties and strengthen the integrity of the examination process.

Single-shift examination returns

One of the biggest changes is that NEET-PG 2026 will be conducted in a single shift.

In recent years, the examination had been held in multiple shifts due to logistical challenges, resulting in different question papers and the use of score normalisation. Conducting the examination in a single shift means all candidates will answer the same paper under identical conditions, ensuring greater uniformity in the assessment process.

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda reviewed preparations for the examination on Saturday and directed all agencies to ensure the process is smooth, secure, transparent and technology-enabled.

Test centres to be allotted closer to candidates' homes

The Health Ministry has also changed the system for allocating examination centres.

Instead of the earlier first-come, first-served model, candidates will now be asked to select three preferred states while submitting their application.

The correspondence state mentioned in the application will be the mandatory first preference, increasing the likelihood of candidates being allotted a test centre closer to home.

Previously, many applicants who registered later were forced to travel to other states after nearby centres reached capacity.

Candidates will also receive details of their allotted test city around three weeks before the examination on August 30, giving them more time to make travel and accommodation arrangements.

Fewer questions, more time per question

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has revised the examination pattern.

Under the new format, candidates will answer 180 questions in 210 minutes.

Previously, the examination consisted of 200 multiple-choice questions carrying a maximum of 800 marks.

While the overall duration of the examination remains unchanged, reducing the number of questions gives candidates more time to answer each one, a move the ministry says is intended to improve the overall examination experience.

Stronger security measures

The Centre has introduced several technology-driven measures to safeguard the examination process.

According to the Health Ministry, question papers will be prepared using multiple layers of encryption, secure offline systems and time-bound finalisation shortly before the examination. Papers will only be digitally decrypted at the scheduled start of the test.

Candidates will also undergo Aadhaar-based authentication during both the application process and on the day of the examination. If fingerprint verification fails, iris-based biometric authentication will be used.

Other security measures include:

  • CCTV surveillance at examination centres

  • Biometric verification and candidate frisking

  • Signal jammers

  • Dynamic computer allocation

  • Live monitoring through central and regional command centres

  • Independent observers and appraisers

  • Advance sealing and verification of examination centres

More than 60,000 examination personnel will be deployed across the country.

The NBEMS has also launched a dedicated email address for candidates to report impersonation, touting and other unfair practices, while regular advisories will be issued to raise awareness.

More candidates this year

The Health Ministry said 2,73,183 candidates have registered for NEET-PG 2026, representing an increase of more than 12.5% compared with last year.

The examination will be conducted across around 340 cities at more than 1,300 centres.

Counselling process simplified

The reforms also extend to the counselling process for admissions under the All India Quota (AIQ).

Candidates who are allotted a seat but choose to participate in later counselling rounds for an upgrade will no longer have to report physically to the allotted institution simply to retain their admission.

Instead, their admission will remain valid while they continue participating in subsequent rounds, subject to the applicable rules.

The Medical Counselling Committee has also introduced:

  • An online resignation facility, allowing eligible candidates to surrender seats through the counselling portal.

  • Online document submission for candidates seeking NRI reservation in deemed universities.

Important dates

The first round of AIQ counselling will begin on August 4, while the 2026–27 MBBS academic session is scheduled to commence on September 8.

The MCC has directed all participating institutions and state counselling authorities to adhere strictly to the counselling schedule and treat Saturdays, Sundays and gazetted holidays as working days to ensure admissions are completed on time.