GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 9th August. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has called on Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda to increase the number of examination centres for the NEET-PG 2024 to ensure students do not have to travel extensive distances and face challenges in finding affordable accommodation.
In a letter to Nadda posted on X, Tharoor expressed concern over the reduced number of cities designated for the examination and the logistical difficulties faced by aspirants. Since August 4, Tharoor has received numerous representations from NEET-PG candidates who are struggling with the long travel distances required to reach their exam centres.
“The current weather conditions, challenges with ticket availability, shortage of affordable accommodation, and safety concerns are placing these students in a difficult position,” Tharoor stated. “If we are to have a national exam, it is crucial to authorize enough centres in every state to ensure candidates can take the exam close to their education or residence.”
Tharoor also criticized the decision to conduct the exam in two shifts with separate papers and the process of result normalization. He argued that the integrity of a national examination is compromised when it involves multiple shifts and reduced cities.
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) is set to conduct the NEET-PG 2024 in two shifts across 416 centres in 170 cities for 228,542 candidates. The exam will be conducted in shifts, with results being normalized.
In response to Tharoor’s concerns, NBEMS President Dr. Abhijat Sheth assured that private institutes have been avoided to enhance monitoring and prevent malpractice. The exam will be held at TCS iON centres and AICTE-affiliated institutions, with a few private centres included where necessary.
Sheth emphasized that the process of conducting exams in shifts and normalizing results is standard practice in India. He also noted that the allocation of exam centres has been adjusted to minimize interstate travel for candidates, with 90% of students receiving centres within their state of correspondence.
The NEET-PG 2024 exam is being closely monitored to address any issues and ensure a smooth examination process.
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