Letter from Dr Sumer and Dr Deepti about New Pattern NEETPG2026
Dear Students,
We hope this letter finds you well and that you have taken amoment to process the significant announcement regarding the new NEET PGexamination pattern that was made yesterday. We understand that this change mayhave caused some concern, but we want you to know that you are in capablehands, and we are committed to guiding you through this transition. UND
ERSTANDING THE CHANGE The
National Board of Examinations has reduced the number ofMCQs from 200 to 180, maintaining the same time allocation of 42 minutes perblock. This translates to approximately 70 seconds per question instead of theprevious 63 seconds. While this may seem like a modest increase, it signals amore profound shift in the examination philosophy.This ch
ange is not merely a reduction in question count. Itrepresents a fundamental transition from memory based recall to concept andapplication oriented assessment. The examiners are moving toward testing yourclinical reasoning, your ability to integrate knowledge across disciplines, andyour capacity to make informed decisions in clinical scenarios. THE NEW QU
ESTION PARADIGM What does
this mean for you?First, we
anticipate longer clinical stems with integratedcontent. Rather than isolated single discipline questions, you will encounterscenarios that blend anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. Animage of a chest X ray may be paired with clinical history, biochemicalfindings, and pharmacological considerations in a single question.Second, expect
questions that require you to think like aclinician. You will need to identify not just what something is, but why it ishappening, how you would diagnose it, and what your management approach wouldbe. This requires conceptual depth, not superficial memorization.Third, video base
d and image rich questions are coming.While we anticipate some technical constraints in large scale deployment,expect animated images, clinical photographs, electrocardiographic strips, andcarefully curated diagnostic visuals that enhance rather than replace clinicalreasoning.Fourth, each question
will likely test multiple competencies. A single MCQ might integrate medicine, radiology, pharmacology,and obstetrics. A pregnant woman with suspected appendicitis becomes a questionabout obstetrics, surgery, radiology, and evidence based investigationselection, particularly regarding radiation exposure and fetal safety. THE EXAMINER'S CHALLENGE You should understand
that the examiners face a significantchallenge. They must test 19 subjects across only 180 questions. This is onlypossible through strategic integration and vertical integration of content. Ifthey ask only direct, one line recall questions, clustering will occur. Manystudents will obtain identical scores, making meaningful differentiationimpossible and potentially leading to rank tie breakers based on factors beyondtheir control. This is precisely why they
have chosen the path ofintegration and analytical questioning. They need to test your depth, yourability to synthesize information, and your clinical judgment. OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU We have
been preparing you for this transition all along.Our TNDs (Test and Discussions) have incorporated integrated questions,clinical scenarios, and the analytical approach that is now becoming the newstandard. You are not starting from zero.Here is what we are bringing fo
r you over the coming months:JULY: Focus on Rapid Revision through our Live Rapid Revision videos combined with TND discussions. Selectively return to your corenotes for conceptual clarity and topics where your understanding feelssuperficial.AUGUST: Engage with DVT plus TND d
iscussions. Complete atleast three full readings of your DVTs with TND explanations. This will cementboth your content retention and your understanding of how to approach questionsin the new style. NEW INITIATIVESBeginning July 6, we
are launching the Online NEET PG NewPattern Boot Camp. This will run for one month, five days a