The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) recently announced a delay in the National Eligibility and Entrance Test - Postgraduate (NEET-PG), rescheduling it from June 23 to August 11. This decision, attributed to logistical challenges, has sparked uncertainties and criticisms surrounding the reliability of major medical examinations in India.
Dr Chakraborty, a Manipal Tata Medical College tutor in Jamshedpur and an MBBS graduate from Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, shared her perspective amidst the upheaval. She recounted preparing diligently for the NEET-PG, only to learn of its sudden cancellation hours before the scheduled exam. The last-minute change left her and fellow aspirants emotionally drained and questioning the timing and communication of such crucial decisions.
In addition to the NEET-PG disruption, Dr Chakraborty faced challenges with her United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), which experienced cancellations at test centres in New York and Oklahoma due to operational issues. These incidents underscored broader concerns about the integrity and reliability of global medical exams.
Dr Chakraborty emphasized the need for enhanced transparency and robust contingency plans to prevent such disruptions in the future. She highlighted the emotional and financial toll on students and called for improved governance to ensure fair and consistent examination processes across borders.
As medical aspirants like Dr Chakraborty navigate through uncertainties, they advocate for reforms prioritising stability and fairness in examination systems in India and internationally.