With only two days remaining to select exam cities for the NEET PG 2024 exam, aspirants have been kept in the dark because they have been unable to use the facility. Several candidates have requested the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) to address the “credential and technical issues.” The NEET PG exam city selection window will remain open until July 22.

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The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has been urged to address these “credential and technical issues.” With the exam date now rescheduled to August 11 and the number of exam cities reduced from 259 to 185, candidates are facing significant challenges, including last-minute travel adjustments and changes in the exam format. These issues have led to widespread frustration among NEET PG aspirants.

The NEET PG 2024 exam date has been altered three times and is now set for August 11. The number of exam cities has been cut from 259 to 185, with 74 locations eliminated from the list. Candidates have also expressed concern about the change in exam city, as many students have already purchased tickets.

Students have spoken out over the sudden change in exam format, the continuous adjustment of exam dates, shift-based testing, and technical concerns. The postgraduate medical entrance exam was moved to June 23 and postponed a day prior as a “precautionary measure” in response to the recent UGC NET and NEET UG paper leak claims.

According to the changed exam structure, the NEET PG question paper 2024 will include mandatory time-bound sections, as opposed to prior years. Every accurate answer will earn 4 points, while every incorrect response will remove 25% of the mark. Students have expressed concern over last-minute alterations to the exam pattern.

The overall number of NEET PG seats has increased from 31,185 before 2014 to 70,645 currently. However, Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, notified the Rajya Sabha in December 2023 that 247 PG medical seats were vacant.

NEET PG aspirants express worry

Madhushree S Patil, a NEET PG aspirant, tagged Air India and posted on X, “My NEET PG exam centre has been changed. The whole state has altered. My tickets were purchased in late August. I need it by the beginning of August. I’m travelling with a 6-month-old. Please help.”

The NEET PG 2024 exam city selection window closes on July 22. Candidates report technical issues and concerns over changing exam dates and locations. Learn more here.

Conclusion

As the NEET PG 2024 exam approaches, candidates are grappling with numerous challenges, including technical issues with exam city selection, changes in exam dates and locations, and alterations to the exam format. With the selection window closing on July 22, the NBEMS must address these concerns promptly to ensure a smooth and fair examination process.

The significant increase in NEET PG 2024 seats from 31,185 before 2014 to 70,645 currently highlights the growing demand for postgraduate medical education. However, unresolved issues and last-minute changes continue to cause anxiety among aspirants. The authorities need to provide clear communication and support to help candidates navigate these difficulties and focus on their preparation.

BITS Pilani signed an agreement with the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) in Pune, on December 4. The areas of knowledge-sharing activities undertaken include workshops, seminars, and conferences to be conducted on national security fields, according to a statement from BITS Pilani.

The BITS Pilani statement also says that joint research work will be an area of focus for this collaboration. The Center for Research Excellence in National Security (CRENS) established at the BITS Pilani will facilitate the partnership.

Both institutes will also undertake research projects including short-term consultancy assignments to deal with industry issues and long-term initiatives to explore emerging and future areas. The collaborations will include the usage of lab infrastructures, faculty members, and research scholars.

BITS Pilani vice chancellor Ramgopal Rao was critical of the tie-up and stated: “Our partnership with DIAT Pune reflects a shared vision that through research and innovation, we can synergistically elevate the defence capability of India and give a technological push to India. Through CRENS we intend to address the veritable challenges and bring about self-reliance in the strategic sectors.

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BHVS Narayana Murthy, vice chancellor of DIAT Pune, stated: “DIAT Pune focuses on developing India’s technological defence capabilities by focused research, innovation, and skill development. BITS Pilani has always led the way for innovation, and our tie-up with the esteemed university will enable us to share resources and expertise to address many of the problems that are now challenging National Security and facilitate an ecosystem of collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship.”

Conclusion

The partnership between BITS Pilani and DIAT Pune is a significant step forward in strengthening India’s national security and technological landscape. Through combining research, innovation, and skill development expertise, the two institutions aim to address critical challenges and enhance India’s defence capabilities. Initiatives such as joint research, certificate courses, and resource sharing will foster innovation and self-reliance in this collaboration. This partnership not only shows the importance of academia-industry synergy but also creates a benchmark for strategic collaborations in the building of a technologically robust and secure future for India.