NEET PG 2024 to have time-bound MCQs, medicos ask NBEMS to not treat graduates as ‘lab rats’

NEW DELHI: After the National Board of Examinations for Medical Sciences (NBEMS) announced the mandatory time-bound multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for NEET PG 2024 and other NBEMS exams, medicos have started demanding immediate revocation of revised paper pattern. NEET PG exam 2024 is scheduled to be held on June 23. Condemning the last-minute changes, medical students asked the NBE to not treat graduates as “lab rats”.

In a circular dated May 4, the board stated: “NBEMS has decided to introduce mandatory time-bound sections in all its MCQ-based examinations, such as NEET-PG, NEET-MDS, NEET-SS, FMGE, DNB-PDCET, GPAT, DPEE, FDST and FET which are conducted on a computer-based platform. This measure has been implemented to enhance the security and sanctity of the exams in light of emerging threats during the examination process.”

The NEET PG exam will be conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) from 7 am to 6 pm. The question paper will comprise of 200 MCQs with each question having 4 response options for a duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes. However, as per the revised paper pattern, the examination will be divided into multiple time bound sections.

There have been several changes in the NEET PG exam date this year. The exam was tentatively scheduled to be held on March 3 and was later postponed to July 7. However, recently, the National Medical Commission (NMC) advanced the exam to June 23 due to the RathYatra festival.

NEET PG new paper pattern

Citing an example, the NBE said that if there are five sections, each part will have 40 questions and candidates will be given 42 minutes to attempt. Students will not be allowed to proceed to the next section without completing the previous section. Additionally, they will not be able to review the questions or modify responses. However, they will be given an option to mark questions for review.

“NEET PG aspirants already face immense pressure and time constraints during the exam period. The sudden introduction of mandatory time-bound sections adds an additional layer of stress and uncertainty, affecting the performance and well-being of the aspirants,” FAIMA said in a letter addressed to NBE executive director.

“We believe that such significant changes require adequate time for adaptation and preparation, which the current timeline does not afford. Therefore, we respectfully request reconsideration of the decision to Implement mandatory time-bound sections in the upcoming NEET PG examinations. Instead, we propose that these changes be implemented gradually, allowing aspirants sufficient time to adapt and prepare effectively,” it added.

The medicos group chairman Rohan Krishnan tagged NBE on X and said the board should “refrain from treating young aspirants who are graduates doctors like lab rats”.