With the NEET PG 2026 application process yet to begin, concerns are mounting among medical graduates over a possible delay in the admission cycle for MD, MS, and PG Diploma courses. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences has not yet announced the registration schedule, deviating from its usual timeline and raising fears of a knock-on effect on the entire postgraduate admission process. Since the examination is scheduled for August 30, later than last year’s August 3 exam, candidates anticipate a corresponding delay in result declaration and counselling.

A delayed registration process could significantly impact subsequent stages, including merit list preparation, All India Quota counselling, state counselling rounds, seat allotment, and college reporting. Medical aspirants and resident doctors have expressed concern that any postponement in counselling may push back joining dates for new residents, affecting both training programmes and hospital services, according to a Shiksha report.

Experts warn that a delayed academic session could result in the late commencement of residency courses, reduced clinical exposure during the crucial first year of training, and increased workload on existing resident doctors already managing patient care across healthcare institutions.