Hundreds of medical graduates from Tamil Nadu are facing unexpected hurdles ahead of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG) 2025, scheduled for August 3. Despite selecting exam centres within their home state, many have been allotted far-flung locations in Andhra Pradesh, including towns like Narasaraopet and Rajahmundry, nearly 600 km from Chennai. The unexpected allotment has sparked frustration, with aspirants citing logistical strain, safety concerns, and financial burden. The situation has also reignited demands for a more transparent and region-sensitive exam centre allocation system.
Why are Tamil Nadu students being sent out of state?
According to the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), Tamil Nadu has 24 approved NEET-PG centres including major cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Kancheepuram. Yet, nearly about 900 to 1,000 candidates from Tamil Nadu have been assigned centres in Andhra Pradesh this year, said the Doctors’ Association for Social Equality (DASE).A NEET PG aspirant, Arjun Ramkumar, shared his frustration: “Some of my friends have been allotted Rajahmundry, which is about 600 km from Chennai. We’re forced to travel at least two days in advance, book tickets, and make stay arrangements. It’s an added burden during an already stressful period,” he said, as reported by IANS.
TNRDA flags the issue with Health Ministry
The Tamil Nadu Resident Doctors Association (TNRDA) has also raised concern over the centre allotment, stating that the preferences of aspirants were ignored this year. Following the outburst among the students, TNRDA has submitted a formal complaint to both the Union Health Ministry and NBEMS, seeking immediate reallocation of centres within the state.The association argued that with Tamil Nadu having a large number of government and private medical colleges, it is fully capable of accommodating its own candidates locally. They also pointed to the mismatch in allotment trends between Tamil Nadu and states like Andhra Pradesh, which have fewer applicants.
Gendered impact and a call for intervention
Long-distance travel isn’t just inconvenient, but it also disproportionately affects women candidates, many of whom require an escort or guardian for safety during interstate travel. “It adds financial and logistical strain, especially for women,” said DASE General Secretary G.R. Ravindranath, as quoted by IANS.This isn’t a new issue. In 2024, MPs R. Sachithanantham (Dindigul) and Shashi Tharoor had taken up a similar concern, which led to successful reallocation for many students. With the exam date drawing close, students and medical associations are urging similar intervention this year.
What’s next?
More than 2.42 lakh candidates have registered for NEET-PG 2025 nationwide. With admit cards expected to be released by July 31, candidates facing travel to unfamiliar cities are left with little time to plan and adapt. Whether NBEMS or the Union Health Ministry will act in time remains uncertain.Until then, for many Tamil Nadu aspirants, the road to postgraduate medical education begins with an unexpected, and unwanted, journey.(With inputs from IANS)TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
