Ahmedabad: The National Board of Examinations (NBE) has released internship cut-off dates and a tentative exam schedule for postgraduate medical admissions (MD, MS, MDS) in 2026. Unlike past years—when PG NEET typically occurred by May—the 2026 exams are set much later, potentially causing a nationwide shortage of resident doctors in hospitals.

For MD/MS courses, the PG NEET exam is tentatively scheduled for August 30, with candidates required to complete internships by September 30, 2026. Those finishing by this date remain eligible, even if their internship extends beyond the exam.

NEET MDS is slated for May 2, with an internship cut-off of May 31. These are provisional dates, subject to change.

Meanwhile, the third round of counselling for the current year continues nationwide after a lowered qualifying percentile. Sources warn that delayed admissions—likely starting in October or November post-internships—could leave hospitals short-staffed until after Diwali, affecting not just Gujarat but the entire country.