• Source:JND
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NEET-PG 2024 entrance test was postponed by the Union Health Ministry on Saturday night, hours before the examination, causing worries and confusion among the students. The last-moment announcement is set to impact thousands of applicant who have travelled to the cities of their allocated exam centre. While announcing the decision to defer the NEET-PG 2024, the Health Ministry said that fresh dates for the exam will be announced at the earliest. It further regretted the inconvenience caused to the students.

However, the Ministry's decision sparked many speculations around the 'cause' of the NEET-PG exam postponement, with many students asking the reason for the unexpected move. Even after being a medical entrance test, similar to the UG, the NEET-PG examination is conducted by a different body than the National Testing Agency (NTA). Therefore, the eleventh-hour announcement prompted the question of why NEET-PG was postponed among the aspirants.

Why NEET-PG 2024 has been postponed

Union Health Ministry termed the postponement a 'precautionary' move aimed at maintaining the 'sanctity' of the NEET-PG. In its official release, the ministry further cited the allegations of irregularities and apprehensions of paper leaks in certain exams conducted recently. Notably, two of the biggest entrance examinations of the country, NEET-UG 2024 and UGC-NET have been marred with controversies over allegations of paper leak, mismanagement and scams.

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Therefore, the decision of the ministry can be seen in the light of these controversies. "Taking into consideration, the recent incidents of allegations regarding the integrity of certain competitive examinations, the Ministry of Health has decided to undertake a thorough assessment of the robustness of processes of NEET-PG Entrance Examination, conducted by the National Board of Examination for Medical Sciences," it said emphasising on making sure that central government faces no further embarrassment.

What Is NEET PG?

National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) PG is an examination for the aspirants seeking admission in post-graduate medical courses including Doctor of Medicine (MD), Master of Surgery (MS), Diplomate of National Board (DNB), Doctorate of National Board (DrNB) and NBEMS diploma.

NEET-PG:  Who Conducts the Examination?

The National Board of Examination In Mediacal Sciences (NBEMS) conducts the NEET-PG entrance test every year to determine the eligibility of candidates seeking admission to the above-mentioned colleges. The NBEMS works as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Headquartered in New Delhi, it was established in 1975 as a society under the Delhi Society Registration Act. The premier body is tasked with standardising the postgraduate medical entrance in India.

NEET PG 2024: When will the exam be held next?

In 2023, the registration for the first round of counselling started on July 27. The counselling processes concluded within one month time in September. Keeping this in mind, the new date for NEET PG 2024 could be announced soon and may fall in the first or second week of July 2024. The official next date of the examination will be declared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare soon.