Chennai, TN: Over 900 medical graduates from Tamil Nadu, scheduled to appear for NEET PG 2025 on August 3, have been allotted exam centres in Andhra Pradesh. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) is facing criticism for safety, logistical, and financial concerns.
Candidates had selected city preferences within Tamil Nadu. Despite this, many candidates received centres in cities like Narasaraopet and Rajahmundry, nearly 600 km from Chennai.
Join NEET PG News 2025 According to the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), Tamil Nadu offers 24 NEET PG centres across cities like Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, and Kancheepuram. Yet the majority of aspirants were assigned centres outside, despite earlier assurances that allocations would be as per candidate preferences and available capacity within the state.
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Many affected students voiced frustration over the harsh logistical burden.
A candidate allocated to Narasaraopet stated: “We’re forced to travel at least two days in advance, book tickets, and arrange a stay. This is an unnecessary burden during an already stressful period.”
The Doctors’ Association for Social Equality (DASE) General Secretary estimated that nearly 1,000 candidates were impacted, calling upon political intervention to ensure fair reallocation.
The Tamil Nadu Resident Doctors’ Association (TNRDA) characterised the impact as severe, noting “emotional breakdown and panic,” especially affecting female candidates and those from rural areas.
They called NBEMS to enhance transparency, publish centre-wise allotment data, and allow candidate reassignments.
Equity, Safety & Exam Integrity
- Gender and Safety: Women examinees, in particular, face safety concerns when compelled to travel interstate alone or with escorts.
- Mental Stress: Uncertainty over exam logistics during the preparatory crucial days intensifies anxiety for students.
- Year-on-Year Issue: Similar centre allocation issues emerged in 2024. After pressure from MPs including Shashi Tharoor and R. Sachithananthan, many candidates were reassigned within Tamil Nadu. This year, aspirants push for a repeat intervention before none are affected again.
NEET PG 2025 Date
- The NEET PG 2025 exam is set for August 3, in a single shift format, following a Supreme Court order aimed at ensuring fairness.
- The city intimation slips were issued via SMS and email, but many slips listed only the state name, causing confusion.
- Admit cards are expected by July 31, leaving limited time for affected candidates to plan, appeal, or seek reallocation.
Summary Table
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Affected Candidates | 900-1,000 from Tamil Nadu allocated centres outside the state |
| Typical Cities Assigned | Narasaraopet, Rajahmundry (Andhra Pradesh) |
| State Quota Centres | 24 centres within Tamil Nadu (e.g. Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore) |
| Key Associations | DASE, TNRDA demanding re‑allotment and transparency |
| Student Concerns | MPs intervened to reallocate TN students within the state |
| Previous Precedent (2024) | Held in single shift; scheduled for August 3, admit card by July 31 |
| Exam Details | Held in a single shift; scheduled for August 3, admit card by July 31 |
For many Tamil Nadu NEET PG aspirants, the exam journey has become more stressful than anticipated. Despite choosing local centres, thousands have been tagged with out-of-state venues, raising serious concerns about fairness and exam-day preparedness.
Associations like TNRDA and DASE are urging NBEMS and the Union Health Ministry to reassign centres within Tamil Nadu immediately. Lack of action could impose emotional, financial, and safety risks on exam takers, especially women and those travelling alone.
