A power failure at two National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET-PG) 2026 examination centres in Jaipur on Sunday disrupted the digital testing process for an unspecified number of medical aspirants, prompting Rajasthan authorities to announce a retest on September 5 for those unable to complete the exam. The disruption occurred at centres in the Sitapura area, where candidates reported repeated system shutdowns during the testing window. Groups of examinees gathered outside the venues to protest the technical glitches, which they said caused multiple interruptions to their examinations.
The retest announcement came after several hours of uncertainty for candidates who had travelled to the centres, many from outside Jaipur, to sit for the all-India medical entrance examination that determines admission to postgraduate medical courses. State officials confirmed that arrangements were being made for the September 5 retest, though details regarding the number of affected candidates, the specific centres to be used, and the logistics of the rescheduled session were not immediately disclosed.
Analysis:
The episode highlights the vulnerability of high-stakes examinations that depend entirely on digital infrastructure and uninterrupted power supply. While a retest provides a practical remedy for affected candidates, it also raises questions about the adequacy of contingency planning at examination centres and whether all candidates will have equal access to the rescheduled session. The protest by examinees reflects growing expectations that institutions administering such critical tests must ensure reliable conditions and transparent communication when failures occur.
What Happened
The disruption began when power supply to the computer-based testing laboratories at two centres in Jaipur’s Sitapura industrial area failed, according to reports from The Hindu. Candidates described repeated system shutdowns, with some stating that computer terminals went offline six to seven times during the examination period. The repeated interruptions reportedly prevented many examinees from completing their tests within the allotted time.
Video footage shared by candidates showed groups of protesters gathered outside the examination venues, holding placards and voicing frustration over the technical failures. Some candidates alleged that centre staff were unable to provide clear information about how the situation would be resolved, leading to further agitation.
Rajasthan’s examination authorities later confirmed that a retest would be conducted on September 5 for those candidates whose examinations were disrupted. The National Board of Examinations, which conducts NEET-PG, was reported to be coordinating with state officials to finalise the arrangements for the make-up exam.
Why It Matters
NEET-PG is the sole entrance examination for admission to postgraduate medical seats in India, including MD, MS, and super-speciality courses. More than 100,000 candidates typically appear for the examination each year, and the outcome directly affects their career trajectories and future earning potential. Any disruption to the examination process can have significant consequences for candidates who have invested months or years of preparation.
The technical failure also raises concerns about the preparedness of examination centres to handle contingencies. With the shift to computer-based testing, the risk of power failures, server outages, and other technical issues has become a critical factor in ensuring fair and equitable access to the examination. Candidates and their families often incur substantial costs to travel to designated centres, and disruptions can result in financial and emotional strain.
Furthermore, the incident underscores the broader challenges facing India’s digital infrastructure, particularly in urban areas where power supply is generally considered reliable. The fact that two centres in the same city experienced simultaneous failures suggests possible issues with backup power systems or coordination between the examination body and local authorities.
Background and Context
NEET-PG is conducted annually by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The examination was introduced in 2017 to replace the previous All India Post Graduate Entrance Examination (AIPGMEE) and has since become the standardised gateway for postgraduate medical admissions across India.
The examination is administered through a network of designated centres across the country, with candidates required to appear at their allotted venue on the scheduled date. The computer-based format was introduced to improve efficiency and standardisation, but it has also introduced new dependencies on technology and infrastructure.
Previous instances of technical disruptions during NEET-PG and other competitive examinations have been reported in various states, though the scale and impact of such incidents vary. In some cases, candidates have been allowed to retake the examination, while in others, decisions have been left to the discretion of the conducting body.
Rajasthan has hosted several NEET-PG centres over the years, with Jaipur being a major hub due to its concentration of medical colleges and examination infrastructure. The state government has previously emphasised its commitment to providing smooth examination conditions, but the September 2026 incident highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining consistent technical standards.
What to Watch Next
The retest scheduled for September 5 will be closely watched by candidates, medical education institutions, and policymakers. Key questions include whether the National Board of Examinations will implement additional measures to prevent future disruptions, how many candidates will be affected by the retest, and whether the rescheduled session will be conducted under improved conditions.
There is also likely to be scrutiny of the contingency plans in place at examination centres, particularly regarding backup power systems and communication protocols during technical failures. The National Board of Examinations may face calls to review its centre selection and monitoring processes to ensure greater reliability.
Legal experts have noted that candidates who suffer losses due to examination disruptions may seek compensation, although the likelihood of successful claims would depend on the specific circumstances and the terms of the examination regulations. The incident may also prompt discussions about the need for alternative examination formats or hybrid models that reduce dependence on single-point failures.
Conclusion
The power failure at two Jaipur centres during the NEET-PG 2026 examination represents a significant disruption to one of India’s most important medical entrance tests. While the announcement of a retest on September 5 provides a pathway for affected candidates to complete their examinations, the incident raises important questions about the reliability of digital infrastructure and the adequacy of contingency planning in high-stakes testing environments.
As India continues to expand its digital examination systems, ensuring robust technical support and transparent communication during failures will be essential to maintaining public confidence in the fairness and integrity of the process. The outcome of the retest and any subsequent actions taken by the National Board of Examinations will be closely monitored by candidates and stakeholders across the medical education sector.
Sources:
The Hindu – “NEET-PG 2026 exam disrupted by technical glitches at Jaipur centres”, https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rajasthan/neet-pg-2026-exam-technical-glitches-jaipur-centres-candidates-protest/article71407304.ece
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Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
