NEET-PG Exam Cancelled Amid Intelligence Inputs of Possible Impersonation Attempts

In a sudden turn of events, the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Postgraduate) exam, scheduled to take place on June 23, has been cancelled just hours before the exam day. The decision was taken as a precautionary measure following intelligence inputs that suggested possible impersonation or manipulation attempts in the computer-based test.

According to sources, the health ministry and the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), which conducts the NEET-PG exam, received credible complaints and intelligence inputs indicating a high possibility of the exam being compromised. Although there was no actual leak of the online exam, the authorities were concerned about potential impersonation attempts at some centers.

A senior official confirmed to Economic Times that the cancellation was a result of these inputs, stating, “There was no actual leak but credible complaints and inputs were there of possible impersonation attempts at some centers. There were also intelligence inputs on the same. That is why it was decided to postpone the exam.”

The Union Ministry of Health announced the postponement of the exam in a late evening statement on June 22, citing the need for a “thorough assessment of the robustness of processes of NEET-PG Entrance Examination.” The ministry will notify a fresh date for the exam at the earliest, with the new test date set for August 11.

The cancellation of the exam affects over 2.4 lakh candidates who were set to appear for the NEET-PG exam, which is essential for admission to medical postgraduate seats across government and private institutes. The exam was meant to fill about 24,000 MD seats, 12,600 MS seats, and 900 PG Diploma seats across medical institutes.

Meanwhile, the NEET-UG counselling is expected to begin in the third week of July, pending the outcome of the Supreme Court’s hearing on July 18 in the NEET-UG leak matter. The Centre has assured that the academic calendar will not be significantly impacted if counselling begins as planned.

The Centre has been facing allegations of exam paper leaks and manipulation in recent times, and this latest development is likely to raise concerns about the integrity of the examination process. The authorities are working to ensure that the exam is conducted fairly and securely, and the new date for the NEET-PG exam will be announced soon.