NEET-PG 2026: Panel to Probe Jaipur Power Failure; Re-exam for 2,445 on Sept 5
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has constituted a three-member committee to investigate the internal power supply failure that disrupted the NEET-PG 2026 examination at two centres in Jaipur, Rajasthan, according to official sources.
The committee will examine the circumstances leading to the disruption at the iON Digital Zone iDZ Sitapura centres (Test Centre Nos. 41682 and 41683), where 2,445 candidates could not complete the computer-based test on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the disruption was caused by internal power supply issues at the test centres, which it attributed to TCS Ltd., the examination conducting agency. The affected candidates will be given an opportunity to reappear for the examination on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 3 p.m. in Jaipur.
The NEET-PG examination is held annually for admission to postgraduate medical courses such as MD, MS, and PG diploma programmes in Indian medical institutions. It is considered one of the most competitive medical entrance tests in the country, with lakhs of candidates appearing every year for a limited number of seats in government and private colleges.
For the 2026 edition, the NBEMS had scheduled the exam for 2,73,096 candidates at 1,111 examination centres spread across 339 cities in all 36 states and Union Territories. A total of 2,65,980 candidates appeared for the test. The 2,445 candidates affected by the power failure represent less than one per cent of the total candidates who appeared on the day, according to official figures.
To ensure smooth conduct, the NBEMS had appointed 2,527 Independent Appraisers to oversee the examination. In addition, more than 700 senior faculty members, including Deans, Directors, Medical Superintendents and senior professors, were deployed as Flying Squad personnel to monitor the proceedings.
Despite these arrangements, the technical disruption in Jaipur affected a significant number of candidates. The NBEMS has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and stated that the re-examination is being conducted to ensure that the affected candidates receive a fair and equitable opportunity.
The three-member committee includes a senior official from the Government of Rajasthan, a Joint Secretary-level officer from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and a senior engineering official from the Central Electricity Authority. According to sources, the committee has been asked to investigate the reasons for the power supply failure and submit its report within a stipulated timeframe.
The inclusion of the Central Electricity Authority official is expected to bring technical expertise to the investigation, particularly regarding the power infrastructure and the adequacy of backup systems at the test centres. The committee is also expected to review the response of the examination conducting agency and suggest measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
This incident highlights the challenges of conducting large-scale computer-based examinations in India, where infrastructure reliability remains a concern. The findings of the committee are expected to provide clarity on the technical and administrative lapses, and help in formulating measures to prevent such disruptions in future examinations. The committee's findings will be crucial in restoring confidence among aspirants about the reliability of computer-based medical entrance examinations.
