The President of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), Abhijat Sheth, announced that the new date for the NEET-PG 2024 exam will be revealed next week. This follows the postponement of the exam, originally set for June 23, due to concerns raised over the recent NEET-UG exam and feedback from the student community.
The decision to postpone came after a review meeting between NBEMS officials and the Union Health Ministry. They discussed the situation and decided to reassess the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protocols to ensure the exam's integrity and security. This move is in response to the rising concerns of students and aims to maintain the sanctity of the examination process.
The NEET-UG exam held on May 5 faced allegations of irregularities, which fueled the need for a comprehensive review. Despite these controversies, Sheth assured that the NEET-PG exam's integrity has never been in doubt, citing the successful conduct of the exams over the past seven years. However, the recent events prompted a government review to ensure that all aspects of the examination process are impermeable.
The NBEMS and its technical partner, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), have been directed to address any shortcomings in the examination process. The focus is on improving the computer-based exam procedures and ensuring that even minor issues are resolved.
Additionally, the Ministry of Education has set up a high-level committee led by former ISRO chairman Dr. K. Radhakrishnan. This committee is tasked with recommending reforms in the examination process, enhancing data security protocols, and improving the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA). They are expected to submit their report within the next two months.
The NEET-PG 2024 exam will feature 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) over a duration of three hours and thirty minutes. The exam will be divided into time-bound sections, with candidates required to complete each section within a specific timeframe. This measure aims to enhance the security and sanctity of the exam in light of emerging threats.
Applicants will have the option to mark questions for review within the allotted time for each section. However, once the time for a section has expired, candidates will not be able to revisit or edit their answers for that section. This approach is designed to ensure a secure and fair examination process.
The changes in the examination structure and procedures come as part of NBEMS's efforts to address concerns and maintain the high standards of the NEET-PG exams. The updated SOPs and protocols will be implemented as soon as possible, with the new exam date to be announced next week.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/ Susmita Bhandary/MSM)