NEET PG 2025 exam to be held on August 3 in single shift, Supreme Court gives approval
NEET exam update: The Supreme Court has granted approval to the National Board of Examinations (NBE) to conduct the NEET PG 2025 examination on August 3 in a single shift, bringing clarity to thousands of medical aspirants.
The decision came during a hearing on Thursday where the NBE sought an extension of the exam date, following the court’s earlier objection to the proposed two-shift format for the postgraduate medical entrance test, which was originally scheduled for June 15.
A Bench headed by Justice PK Mishra, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Sanjay Karol, questioned the delay, asking the NBE and the Central Government why the test could not be held earlier, possibly in July. "Why do you need two more months? This will delay the entire admission process," Justice Mishra observed during the hearing.
Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, appearing for the Centre, explained that logistical challenges, including doubling the number of exam centres and enforcing stringent security protocols, necessitated the delay. “Even a minor lapse could have serious implications,” Nataraj stated, stressing that high-level consultations had been conducted to ensure a smooth and secure examination process.
The Bench underscored the importance of exam integrity and fairness, reiterating that the NBE must maintain high standards regardless of scheduling challenges. Justice Mishra also questioned the delay in preparations, reminding the Board that the earlier order approving the exam was passed on May 30. “What have you done since then?” he asked.
In its defense, the NBE clarified that the postponement was solely aimed at protecting the interests of candidates, ensuring no compromise in the conduct or fairness of the exam.
The court has consistently maintained that a single-session format is essential to prevent variation in difficulty levels across shifts, which could unfairly disadvantage some candidates. The current decision follows a petition filed by the United Doctors Front, challenging the two-shift format and demanding a uniform nationwide exam.
In a previous hearing, the Supreme Court had issued a notice on the petition and asked the NBE to reconsider its plan, even offering the option of approaching the court again if more time was needed.
The NEET PG 2025 will now be conducted on August 3 in one session across the country, a move that is expected to uphold transparency, uniformity, and fairness in the competitive medical entrance process.
- With inputs from agencies
