MRB exam candidates in Tamil Nadu request allocation of same centre for two exams

Candidates with speciality qualifications, who have applied for both the Medical Services Recruitment Board’s (MRB) assistant surgeon (general) examination and the assistant surgeon (general) with speciality qualification examination, scheduled for January 25, 2026 have requested the Tamil Nadu Health Department to allot them the same examination centre.

MRB is conducting the examinations to fill 1,100 vacant posts of assistant surgeon (general) and 299 vacant posts of assistant surgeon (general) with speciality qualification. The latter included 182 posts in obstetrics and gynaecology, 50 in forensic medicine and 37 in radiology.

The computer-based examination for the posts of assistant surgeon (general) was scheduled to be held in the forenoon session, while the examination for assistant surgeon (general) with speciality qualification will be held in the afternoon session on January 25.

It is noted that a few candidates with speciality qualifications have applied for both the examinations. Since the examinations are scheduled on the same day with different sessions, allotment of different examination centres may cause significant logistical difficulty, and could prevent candidates from attending both the examinations, according to the Tamil Nadu Resident Doctors’ Association (TNRDA).

Representatives also met the Health Secretary and put forward the issue. They requested MRB to allot the same examination centre/venue for such candidates to enable them to appear for both the examinations without difficulty. This would ensure a fair opportunity without affecting the examination process, the TNRDA said.

M. Keerthy Varman, general secretary of TNRDA, said there are at least 1,000 such candidates. “These candidates are specialists and have applied for both examinations in the hope of getting job opportunities. If they are allotted different centres for the two examinations, it will make it difficult for them. We have made a request to accommodate them in the same centres. This will be helpful for all, especially women candidates,” he said.