NEET PG 2025: Digital calculators, monitored bio-breaks, tattoo ban in NBEMS' exam-day advisory

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has issued a test day advisory for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test - Postgraduate (NEET PG 2025) exam, scheduled to be held on August 3. Digital calculators, bio-break restrictions, and multi-point verification rules have been implemented for this year’s exam.

With just two days left for NEET PG 2025 exam, the NBEMS has announced strict exam-day guidelines to ensure smooth conduct of the national-level PG medical entrance exam. NEET PG exam has been in the spotlight for several controversial reasons, such as paper leak, errors in rank list, lack of transparency in exam and rank allotment.

After announcing its decision to conduct the exam in two shifts - a decision introduced last year – the NBEMS faced strong opposition from aspirants. Aspirants had to approach the Supreme Court seeking change in exam pattern. They also highlighted the confusion, mismanagement, and prolonged delays caused due to the normalisation method. As per the SC order, the board revoked its decision and announced to conduct in a single-shift.

The NBE will administer the NEET PG exam 2025 on August 3 from 9 am to 12.30 pm as a computer-based test (CBT). In view of the weather alert at various cities across the country, the board advised candidates to reach the exam centres well in advance.

Also read NEET PG 2025 seats ‘hidden’ in UP; KGMU doctors allege ‘calculated’ move to allow backdoor entry

NEET PG 2025 exam-day guidelines

The NBEMS has announced details on exam timings, dress code, things prohibited inside the test centre, and exam day procedures. Take a look at NEET PG test day advisory.

NEET PG admit card 2025 – Hall tickets, containing 2 pages, should be printed in colour on A4 size paper (back to back). Candidates are required to show the admit card and ID proof for verification at the reporting counter. After scanning the QR given on the NEET PG admit card, the exam centre officials will inform candidates of their assigned lab number.

Reporting counter - The entry closes at 8.30 am. Candidates reaching the exam centre beyond the specified time will not be allowed to sit for the examination. The board said that the reporting counter and the main gate of the exam centre might be at a distance, therefore, students are advised to reach the venue at least one hour early.

Prohibited items - Stationery items like textual material (printed or written), notes, plastic pouch, calculator, pen, writing pad, pen drives, eraser are banned inside the exam centre. Electronic devices such as mobile phones, bluetooth devices are also not allowed.

Digital calculator - A digital normal calculator will be available on the candidate's computer screen.

NEET PG dress code 2025 - The NBEMS has not announced any specific dress code for male and female candidates. However, it has restricted students from wearing ornaments like bracelets, ring, earrings, nose-pin, chain, necklace, pendants, necklace with pendants, badge, brooch etc are not allowed.Other items like wallet, goggles, handbags, belt, cap are also prohibited.

Tattooing your fingers with henna/colours should be strictly avoided. “Any other item which could be used for unfair means, for hiding communication devices like wireless/Bluetooth device, spy camera,” it added.

NEET PG unfair means - Applicants to maintain silence and discipline during the exam. In case a candidate needs assistance during an exam, they may raise their hand to call the invigilator, it said. Peeping into the computer of other candidates will be considered as “unfair means”.

Bio-breaks – Candidates will not be allowed to use bio-breaks after registration till the start of the exam. However, after the exam starts, photographs of the candidates will be captured on the exam day at the time of verification, at each bio-breaks, and during the exam.

No water bottle, rough paper – Candidates are strictly prohibited from carrying rough paper and water bottles, or eatables. Only diabetics and pregnant ladies will be allowed to carry small amounts of sugar and food items in transparent pouches after verification.