NEET-PG 2026 reforms: More time per question, closer exam centres

Student-centric changes announced

The Union Health Ministry has unveiled a series of reforms for NEET-PG 2026, aimed at reducing stress and improving convenience for aspirants. Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda reviewed the preparedness for the upcoming examination, emphasising a smooth, secure, and transparent process.

Among the most significant changes, candidates will get more time per question, and test centres will be located closer to their home cities. The move is expected to ease the logistical burden on thousands of medical graduates appearing for the postgraduate entrance test.

More choices, less travel

According to official statements, the National Board of Examinations (NBE) will offer a wider selection of test centres for NEET-PG 2026. This means candidates can choose a centre that is geographically more accessible, reducing the need for long-distance travel and associated costs.

The reform addresses a long-standing complaint from aspirants, many of whom previously had to travel to distant cities for the exam. Health ministry officials said the change is part of a broader effort to make the examination process more candidate-friendly.

Enhanced security with biometric checks

In a bid to strengthen the integrity of the exam, NEET-PG 2026 will introduce Aadhaar and iris authentication for candidates. This biometric verification is designed to eliminate impersonation and ensure that the right candidate appears for the test.

Officials said the move aligns with global best practices for high-stakes examinations. The authentication process will be integrated into the exam-day workflow, with minimal disruption to candidates.

NEET-UG counselling timeline

Separately, the NEET-UG counselling is scheduled to begin on August 4, with the academic session set to start from September 8. This timeline gives undergraduate medical students a clear roadmap for the coming months.

While the reforms for NEET-PG 2026 are being rolled out, the ministry has not yet released the full schedule for the postgraduate exam. Aspirants are advised to monitor official announcements from the NBE and the health ministry for updates.

What to watch

Medical education stakeholders have welcomed the reforms but are watching closely for the detailed information bulletin, which will specify the exact number of test centres, the increased time per question, and the implementation of biometric checks. The NBE is expected to release the notification in the coming months.

For now, aspirants can expect a more streamlined and less stressful examination experience, provided the reforms are executed as promised on the ground.