NEET PG 2026 Records 2.73 Lakh Registrations; Union Minister Nadda Reviews Exam Preparedness

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda chaired a high-level review meeting to assess operational readiness for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG) 2026. With a record-breaking 2,73,183 registered candidates—marking a 12.5% surge compared to the previous year—the Health Ministry and the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) are implementing extensive measures to conduct the nationwide entrance exam in a secure, transparent, and technology-driven manner.

The examination is officially scheduled for August 30, 2026, and will be held in a single shift across approximately 340 cities and over 1,300 examination centres nationwide.

Record Registrations and Scaled Infrastructure

The sharp increase in applicants highlights growing participation in postgraduate medical education across India. To accommodate 2,73,183 medical graduates, the Health Ministry has significantly expanded infrastructural capabilities. By extending coverage to more than 1,300 test centres spread across nearly 340 cities, authorities aim to improve geographic accessibility for candidates across all states.

During the review session, Union Minister Nadda evaluated the state of preparation alongside senior officials from NBEMS, technology partners, and key logistics stakeholders. He emphasized that the administration’s primary goal is to ensure absolute transparency, technical precision, and a smooth testing environment on exam day.

Student-Centric Reforms Introduced for NEET PG 2026

To enhance candidate convenience and streamline logistics, the Health Ministry and NBEMS have introduced several pivotal reforms:

Optimized Examination Pattern: The question paper has been rationalized to 180 questions to be completed within 210 minutes. This modification provides candidates with more time per question while maintaining the overall exam duration.
Geographical Centre Preferences: Candidates are required to indicate three state preferences for test centers, with their correspondence state mandated as the first preference. This policy facilitates centre allotment closer to their place of residence.
Advance Test City Intimation: To prevent last-minute travel disruptions, official notification regarding assigned test cities will be issued nearly three weeks in advance, giving aspirants ample time to plan travel and accommodation.
Robust Multi-Layer Authentication: Mandatory Aadhaar-based verification has been integrated into both the application phase and exam-day entry protocols. Additionally, iris-based biometric scanning will serve as a backup whenever fingerprint verification fails.

Multi-Layered Security and Warning Against Leak Rumors

Highlighting the paramount importance of examination integrity, Minister Nadda reviewed the multi-tiered security apparatus deployed across all test venues. The security framework includes:

Dynamic computer allocation and live monitoring via central and regional command centres.
Advance sealing, auditing, and physical verification of exam centres.
Comprehensive CCTV surveillance, electronic signal jammers, and mandatory candidate frisking.
Deployment of over 60,000 trained examination personnel across the country.

Minister Nadda strongly cautioned candidates against believing rumors and fraudulent claims regarding question paper leaks. He clarified that the final question paper is finalized through a secure, encrypted, and time-bound process shortly before the examination starts. Controlled digital decryption occurs strictly at the scheduled start time, rendering any claims of prior paper access completely false.

To curb malpractices, NBEMS has also operationalized a dedicated reporting email address for candidates to report impersonation, touting, or fraudulent activities.

Directives for Aspirants

Union Health Minister Nadda directed all agencies to maintain tight inter-departmental coordination to deliver a hassle-free examination. Aspirants are advised to disregard unverified rumors on social media and rely strictly on official communications issued by NBEMS and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) as August 30 approaches.

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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