NEET PG 2024 to be Held on August 11 at 500 Trusted Centers

The NEET PG examination, originally set for June 23, has been postponed as a "precautionary measure." The National Board of Examinations (NBE) has rescheduled the qualifying exam for postgraduate medical studies to August 11, and it will be conducted in two shifts across 500 carefully selected centres.

This year, the number of examination centres has been significantly reduced from 1,200 to 500 due to concerns over previous instances of paper leaks. To ensure better control and security, the NBE has decided to hold the exam exclusively at TCS iON centres, avoiding outsourced centres entirely.

An official explained that all candidates have been assigned centres in the same cities as their registered addresses on the application forms. "Previously, students could choose different centres across the country. Now, they must appear at a centre either in their city or nearby," the official stated. This change aims to prevent candidates from having to travel long distances solely for the exam.

Introduction of Two Shifts

For the first time, the NEET PG will be conducted in two shifts. This adjustment has been made necessary due to the reduced number of examination centres. As a result, score normalisation will be implemented since students will take different sets of questions during these shifts.

"Since the examination started in 2018, there has been no need for normalisation because all students took the same question paper simultaneously," noted an official. The dual-shift format this year requires normalisation to ensure fairness in scoring.

To further secure the examination process, officials have introduced additional measures. Students are now required to appear at designated centres close to their registered addresses. This step is designed to enhance security and reduce opportunities for malpractice.

The postponement and new measures underscore the NBE's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the NEET PG examination. By concentrating on trusted centres and implementing stricter controls, the authorities aim to provide a fair testing environment for all candidates.