NEET PG 2025: Candidates allotted far-off exam locations; UDF demands reopening of centre change portal

National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG) candidates should be allotted exam centres in nearby cities, the United Doctors Front Association (UDFA) has demanded in a letter to the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). The association flagged concerns raised by aspirants who have been assigned centres far from their preferred locations and urged NBEMS to revise the current allotment process.

UDF chairperson Lakshya Mittal and national vice-president Amit Vyas wrote to NBEMS, pointing out that the board is responsible for ensuring convenience for candidates. The letter stated that after the decision to hold the exam in two shifts was reversed following the Supreme Court directions, another issue has come to light.

Candidates appearing for the August 3 NEET PG exam have been allotted centres in other cities, even though they had selected locations in their home states. “Many UDF members and thousands of candidates from various states, appearing for the exam scheduled on August 3, 2025, have been assigned centres in far-off cities despite having already indicated their preferred centres in their home states,” the official press release said.

The letter added that such allotments have created logistical problems for many candidates, especially those who are differently-abled, women, and those from economically weaker backgrounds. UDF also pointed out the difficulty in securing railway reservations at short notice.

NEET PG 2025: UDF seeks portal reopening for centre change

The doctors’ group has requested that NBEMS reopen the exam centre change portal so that candidates may opt for centres closer to their homes. UDF said that unnecessary travel could affect a candidate's focus during the exam.

Lakshya Mittal said that with available technology, including artificial intelligence and data algorithms, it is possible to allocate centres as per submitted preferences. “In an era of modern science, artificial intelligence, and algorithm-based data processing, allocating the nearest exam centres to candidates who have already submitted their preferences should not be difficult. UDF has urged NBEMS to take appropriate action after listening to the concerns of thousands of candidates,” he said.