NEET PG 2026: NBEMS issues advisory; no first come, first serve for test city allotment

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has issued an important advisory for candidates interested in applying for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG) 2026. Ahead of releasing information bulletin, NBEMS has advised aspirants not to rush, but to read the official guidelines before submitting their application forms.

One of the key announcements made by NBEMS is that test city allocation for NEET PG 2026 will not be done on a first come, first serve basis. In other words, submitting the application form early will not give candidates right to secure preferred test state, city or examination centre. Aspirants will not be allowed to edit details such as category, date of birth, PwBD status and contact information even during the edit window period.

NBEMS states, "Submission of false, misleading or unsupported information/documents may result in cancellation of candidature and other appropriate action."

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Test state preference

According to the advisory, candidates will have to select three preferred test states while filling out the application form. The first preferred test state must be the same as the correspondence state mentioned in the application form, while the remaining two choices should be neighbouring states.

NBEMS circular reads, "While every effort shall be made to allot a Test City/Test Centre in accordance with the candidate preferences, NBEMS reserves the right to allot a Test City/Test Centre anywhere in India due to administrative, security, logistical, technical or other unavoidable circumstances."

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Application filling guidelines

NBEMS has also issued detailed instructions regarding photograph uploads and application details. Candidates must upload a recent photograph taken within the last three months along with other prescribed images as per the specified guidelines. Applications containing manipulated, unclear or non-compliant images will be rejected.

NBEMS has introduced Aadhaar-based authentication and verification measures for NEET PG. In cases where Aadhaar authentication fails, alternate identity verification methods, including IRIS-based authentication, may be used.

Circular reads, "Candidates are advised not to apply henna, colour, ink, paint or any other substance on their fingers, hands or palms, as the same may interfere with biometric verification and authentication processes and cause inconvenience during registration and verification at the test centre."

The advisory also asks candidates to keep their registered email ID and mobile number active throughout the examination and counselling process. Candidates have also been warned against relying on rumours or unofficial information circulating on social media.