The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has collected approximately Rs. 75 crore from candidates appearing for NEET-PG 2024, according to an RTI response.
RTI Inquiry Unveils Massive Fee Collection
Dr. Aman Kaushik, a NEET-PG aspirant, filed the RTI query seeking details on the total examination fees collected and the corresponding expenditure.
“I wanted to understand how much NBEMS has earned from NEET-PG aspirants. The fee per candidate is Rs.3,500 for the open category and Rs.2,500 for reserved categories. The response to my RTI revealed that the board collected around Rs.75 crore,” Dr. Kaushik told EdexLive.
Aspirants Question Fee Utilization
Despite the substantial revenue, candidates have expressed concerns over mismanagement. Many reported inadequate facilities, long-distance travel for exam centers, and repeated postponements of NEET-PG 2024.
“Despite collecting such a large amount, candidates were not even assigned exam centers in their own cities. NEET-PG 2024 was a disaster—it was canceled just a day before the exam, leaving students stranded,” Dr. Kaushik stated.
Originally scheduled for March, the exam was postponed multiple times before finally being conducted on August 11 in two shifts. However, logistical challenges persisted.
“Students spent heavily on travel and accommodation, only to be told at the last minute that the exam was postponed. When it was finally held, many still had to travel hundreds of kilometers. If JEE ensures candidates get centers in their own cities, why can’t NEET-PG do the same despite collecting such high fees?” he questioned.
Lack of Financial Transparency
Candidates are also raising concerns about the high examination fee and the lack of clarity regarding its utilization.
“Rs.3,500 is an exorbitant amount—no other competitive exam charges this much. With such high fees, why is there still mismanagement? Many students were also unhappy with this year’s normalisation process,” Dr. Kaushik noted.
In its RTI response, NBEMS stated that it follows a cash-based accounting system, meaning expenses are recorded only when invoices are received.
Speaking to EdexLive, NBEMS President Dr. Abhijat Sheth clarified, “In a cash-based accounting system, expenses are recorded when invoices are received for payment in the accounts department, rather than when services are provided.”
Legal Challenges & Counselling Delays
NEET-PG 2024 has also faced legal hurdles.
A group of 19 aspirants filed a petition in the Supreme Court demanding greater transparency in the exam process. Their concerns include last-minute changes in the exam pattern and a lack of clarity in result declaration, as no official answer key was provided. The case remains under judicial review.
Additionally, another petition sought fresh All India Quota (AIQ) Round III counselling due to alleged seat blocking in Madhya Pradesh. However, the Supreme Court dismissed this plea.
“There are still cases pending in the Supreme Court, and NEET-PG counselling remains incomplete, despite the exam being conducted on August 11. It’s concerning that even after collecting Rs.75 crore, authorities have failed to ensure basic facilities,” Dr. Kaushik said.
With aspirants continuing to demand transparency and accountability, the controversy surrounding NEET-PG 2024 remains unresolved.
FAQ
NEET-PG 2024 – RTI Reveals NBEMS Collected Rs.75 Crore in Exam Fees
1. What is NEET-PG 2024?
NEET-PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate) is a nationwide exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) for admission to MD, MS, and PG Diploma courses in India.
2. What did the RTI reveal about NEET-PG 2024 fees?
An RTI response revealed that NBEMS collected approximately Rs.75 crore in examination fees from NEET-PG 2024 candidates.
3. Who filed the RTI inquiry regarding NEET-PG 2024 fees?
Dr. Aman Kaushik, a NEET-PG aspirant, filed the RTI seeking details on the total fees collected and its expenditure.
4. What are the exam fees for NEET-PG 2024?
- General/OBC candidates: Rs.3,500
- SC/ST/PwD candidates: Rs.2,500
5. Why are candidates questioning the fee utilization?
Despite collecting a significant amount, aspirants have raised concerns about:
- Poor facilities at exam centers
- Long-distance travel required for many candidates
- Last-minute exam cancellations and rescheduling
- Lack of financial transparency regarding the funds collected
6. Why was NEET-PG 2024 postponed multiple times?
NEET-PG 2024, initially scheduled for March, faced multiple postponements before finally being held on August 11 in two shifts. Candidates experienced logistical issues, including last-minute cancellations.
7. What is NBEMS’ response regarding fund utilization?
NBEMS stated that it follows a cash-based accounting system, where expenses are recorded only when invoices are received, rather than when services are provided.
8. What legal challenges is NEET-PG 2024 facing?
- A group of 19 aspirants filed a petition in the Supreme Court demanding greater transparency in the examination process.
- Another petition sought a fresh All India Quota (AIQ) Round III counselling due to seat-blocking allegations in Madhya Pradesh. The Supreme Court dismissed this plea.
9. Has NEET-PG 2024 counselling been completed?
No, counselling is still delayed, with pending cases in the Supreme Court adding to the uncertainty.
10. What are candidates demanding now?
Candidates are calling for:
- Greater financial transparency from NBEMS
- Better management of exam logistics
- A fairer and more accountable counselling process
