New Delhi : Concerns have been raised among doctors due to the last-minute changes made to the NEET PG 2024 exam pattern by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).

The NBE recently announced modifications in the exam patterns of all MCQ-based examinations, including NEET-PG, NEET-MDS, NEET-SS, FMGE, DNB-PDCET, GPAT, DPEE, FDST, and FET, introducing mandatory time-bound sections.

However, doctors under the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) have expressed concern over these last-minute revisions in the NEET-PG 2024 exam pattern.

They opine that such significant changes require adequate time for adaptation and preparation, which the current timeline does not afford. Medical Dialogues recently reported that, through a notice dated May 4, 2024, the NBE announced the introduction of time-bound sections as a measure to enhance the security and sanctity of exams in response to emerging threats during the examination process.

Releasing details of the mandatory timed sections in MCQ-based examinations, the NBE mentioned that question papers in the aforementioned examinations, including NEET PG, would be divided into multiple time-bound sections. "In NEET-PG 2024, for instance, if there are five time-bound sections (A, B, C, D, and E) in the question paper, each section will comprise 40 questions with 42 minutes allotted for completion.

Candidates will be prohibited from advancing to the next section until they finish the allotted time for the previous section. Furthermore, candidates will not have the opportunity to review questions or modify their responses, as each section will commence automatically after the completion of the allotted time for the previous section," stated the NBE in the notice. The natboard further informed candidates that they would be provided with the option to mark any question, regardless of whether it had been attempted, for review. This allows candidates to revisit these marked questions within a section before the allotted time for that section expires.

According to the NBE notice, questions marked for review will be evaluated based on the marking scheme outlined in the information bulletin for the respective examination.

Additionally, the actual number of time-restricted sections in an examination may vary depending on the total number of questions in the question paper and the operational feasibility of creating such sections. Expressing displeasure with the last-minute changes in the NEET PG exam pattern, FAIMA acknowledged the measures implemented to address emerging threats but also voiced concerns regarding the recent alterations. In a letter, FAIMA stated, "As you are aware, 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."

"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. We trust that you will give due consideration to our concerns and take the necessary steps to address them. Your prompt action in this matter is highly appreciated and will contribute to the welfare and success of NEET PG aspirants across the country,"

it further added. Meanwhile, sharing the NBE notice on X (formerly Twitter), the National Chairman of FAIMA, Dr. Rohan Krishnan, urged the authorities to cancel these changes. He wrote in an X post, "We are always against any kind of change that is last minute. @NbeIndia should refrain from treating young aspirants who are graduates doctors like lab rats. @FAIMA_INDIA_ stands against these last-minute modifications in exam and exam patterns. Requesting @NbeIndia to cancel this.

" Commenting on the matter, Dr. Rohan Krishnan told Medical Dialogues, "It is a very last-minute step. The examinees are already very stressed, and we are always very particular about this because this is an exam with 40,000 to 60,000 seats and more than 3–4 lakh doctors who are appearing for it. This exam happens only once a year, so it is a very important day, and it is going to happen pan-India. So, obviously, it is a very important examination."

"For any examination, the pattern should be declared before 6 months, and after that, there should not be any changes. Now, the exam is going to happen in June itself, and at present, these changes are only going to create a lot of panic among the students, and it is going to create more stress in the already stressful state of the NEET PG aspirants," he further added.