The NEET PG 2024 has caused an uproar among aspirants due to the allocation of far-off examination centres, causing significant stress and inconvenience.
Many candidates took to social media to express their frustration, accusing the National Board of Examinations (NBE) of mental harassment. They are demanding that the exam be conducted in a single shift with centres in their home states.
Candidates argue that conducting the exam in two shifts is pointless if they are assigned centres "thousands of kilometers" away. Some Members of Parliament (MPs) have supported the students, writing to state governments and union ministers for intervention. MP Adoor Prakash highlighted that 1,000 candidates from Kerala, among others, are affected and suggested rescheduling the exam with nearby centres. MP John Brittas emphasized the challenges faced by around 10,000 MBBS students from Kerala, including female and pregnant candidates, who have been forced to choose centres in Andhra Pradesh.
A biochemistry professor and activist, Dhruv Chauhan, criticized the situation, citing students' financial and mental stress due to postponed exam dates and distant centres. They pointed out the impracticality of travel given train delays, high flight costs, and adverse weather conditions.
Candidates and advocates have called for respect and better treatment of NEET PG aspirants, highlighting the inefficiency and lack of organization by the governing body. Many shared personal experiences of being assigned distant centers despite having nearby options, calling for immediate resolution.