A record 2,73,183 candidates have registered for NEET-PG 2026, the highest ever for the postgraduate medical entrance examination, marking an increase of more than 12.5 per cent over last year. The examination will be conducted in a single shift across around 340 cities and more than 1,300 examination centres, significantly improving accessibility for candidates across the country.The Union Health Ministry on Saturday said the examination will be conducted in a single-shift, computer-based format on August 30, following the Supreme Court’s direction to hold the exam in one shift to ensure uniformity in the evaluation process. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) subsequently revised its schedule and expanded the examination infrastructure to facilitate the change.Key student-centric reforms in NEET-PG 2026One of the biggest changes this year is the sharp expansion in examination infrastructure. According to the ministry, the number of examination cities and centres has been significantly expanded. The wider geographical spread is expected to reduce travel time and improve accessibility for candidates.The ministry said candidates will also benefit from enhanced security arrangements aimed at ensuring a fair and transparent examination. Multi-layer frisking, biometric verification, CCTV surveillance and real-time monitoring will be implemented across all examination centres. Technical audits have also been carried out to ensure robust digital infrastructure and cybersecurity.To ensure smooth conduct of the examination, district magistrates and police commissioners have been asked to provide administrative and law-and-order support at all centres. State governments have also designated senior officers as nodal officials to oversee arrangements.The ministry said examination centres have been assessed for adequate computer systems, power backup, internet connectivity and other logistical requirements to minimise disruptions on the day of the examination.Candidates will be informed of their allotted examination city on August 11, while admit cards will be issued on August 27. The results are scheduled to be declared by September 30.The ministry said the expanded examination network and strengthened security measures reflect its efforts to conduct a transparent, secure and candidate-friendly examination amid heightened scrutiny of national entrance tests in recent years.Published on August 2, 2026