NEET-PG aspirants allotted far-off centres, IMA urges urgent action

The Indian Medical Association’s youth wing — IMA Junior Doctors’ Network (IMA JDN) — has called for the urgent intervention of the Ministry of Health and the National Board of Examinations (NBE) to address widespread distress over the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test PG, 2025, exam centre allocations. The exam is scheduled for August 3.

Thousands of candidates, particularly those from economically weaker sections and rural regions, have reportedly been assigned centres hundreds of kilometres away from their home states.

This has sparked anxiety among aspirants who say the additional travel and expenses could jeopardise their performance in the high stakes postgraduate entrance test.

In a letter to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, the IMA JDN said, “This move is causing much concern, especially among the economically weaker sections, women, and those from remote or rural regions.”

“This disparity not only affects fairness but could negatively impact students’ mental well being and performance in this critical, once a year exam,” the doctor’s body added.

They have urged the immediate reopening of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) exam centre change portal. This, it said, would allow affected candidates to opt for centres within their home state or nearby regions.

The plea follows the closure of the deadline for submitting centre preferences, which has left many candidates with no opportunity to modify their assignments. The IMA JDN has called on authorities to act swiftly to prevent further inconvenience and ensure a fair and level playing field for all aspirants.