NEET‑PG 2025 centre allocation chaos: IMA‑JDN flags distress as aspirants get far‑flung exam centres, seeks intervention

Junior Doctors’ Network urges ministry to reopen city‑change portal after thousands assigned exam locations far from home

Aspiring doctors scheduled for NEET‑PG 2025 are facing mounting anxiety after being allotted examination centres in distant states, despite choosing preferences in their home regions. The Indian Medical Association‑Junior Doctors’ Network (IMA‑JDN) has sent an urgent representation to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, calling for immediate action to alleviate the crisis.

With the exam now just days away, many candidates—especially from states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka—have been assigned centres hundreds of kilometres away. Reports indicate journeys of up to 20 hours by train or road, forcing young professionals into logistical and financial hardship just before this high-stakes test.

The doctors’ body warns that the situation is placing undue stress on women, economically weaker candidates, and those from remote or rural regions. It emphasised the potential impact on mental well‑being and performance, especially given the competitive nature of this once-a-year exam.

IMA‑JDN has demanded that the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) reopen the exam centre change portal, allowing affected aspirants to choose alternative centres within their home or adjoining states.

They argue that modern systems and algorithms should be able to honour centre preferences without such upheaval.

A spokesperson noted that while some aspirants received centres nearby, thousands were allocated to unfamiliar cities with no direct connectivity, leaving them scrambling for travel and accommodation.

The association underlined that this is not merely a procedural issue, but a matter of fairness, equity, and safety.

Regional bodies, including the Tamil Nadu Resident Doctors’ Association and United Doctors Front, have echoed similar concerns. In Tamil Nadu, hundreds of candidates were assigned centres in Andhra Pradesh—places like Narasaraopet and Rajahmundry—which are nearly 600 km from Chennai.

Meanwhile in Kerala, candidates missed out on state-based centres due to limited availability and high competition.

MPs from affected states have also sought intervention, calling for prioritized allocation of local centres, especially for female candidates.

Candidates and doctors alike warn that the current gridlock could affect exam performance and fairness across the board. They have demanded:

Reopening of the centre‑choice window

Allocation of centres in state or nearby districts

A city-level seat matrix to ensure transparency

Grievance helplines for immediate redressal

As NEET‑PG 2025 draws near on August 3, public pressure is rising. IMA‑JDN reiterated that equity and accessibility must be central to the medical examination system. The body urged the Health Ministry and NBEMS to act swiftly, before the crisis escalates further.