The Supreme Court on Friday granted permission to the National Board of Examinations to conduct the NEET-PG 2025 exam on August 3, in a single shift, in accordance with its previous directive emphasizing uniformity and fairness in the exam process.
Bench Questions Delay But Finds Intent Genuine
A bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Augustine George Masih initially raised concerns over the over two-month delay sought by the NBE, questioning the need for such an extended window. However, upon hearing the NBE’s submissions and logistical challenges, the court accepted the reasons as “bonafide” and allowed the revised date.
Despite allowing the NBE’s request, the court made it unequivocally clear that no additional time would be granted beyond August 3 for holding the examination. The direction comes after the court’s May 30 order, which had asked the authorities to conduct the exam in a single shift instead of two, to avoid what it termed “arbitrariness.”
Logistical Hurdles and Technology Partners’ Availability
The NBE, in its plea, cited the necessity of coordinating with its technology partner, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), to ensure seamless execution. The plea explained that organizing the exam in one shift across the country required the identification and booking of over 1,000 tech-compliant examination centers, ensuring availability and security.
The board stated that August 3 was the earliest available date proposed by TCS, taking into account the scale of arrangements needed. It further mentioned that for 2,42,679 registered candidates, plus buffer capacity, the infrastructure needed would have to support around 2.7 lakh candidates.
Court Pushes For Swift Action
The bench, however, pushed back on the delays. “The order of this court was of May 30. What exercise has been done till now?” it asked, noting that centers were already identified for the previously scheduled June 15 exam. The judges emphasized that security arrangements are part of any large-scale exam and should not be used to justify delays.
Justice Masih remarked that the court was well aware of how TCS operates, and said that locating centers should not be an obstacle.
Additional Solicitor General K M Nataraj, representing the NBE, defended the timeline, citing the need for foolproof arrangements. “Arrangements need to be made to avoid even a minor glitch in the all-India level entrance test,” he submitted.
Multiple Responsibilities Cited
The NBE also pointed out that it is simultaneously conducting several other exams, including those for Indian Railways, banking institutions, and regional-level tests, further complicating the scheduling.
“We propose to conduct this exam on August 3, in the 1st shift from 9 am to 12.30 pm,” the plea stated, stressing the need for coordination and support across agencies during this “uncertain period” for candidates.
Background of the Case
Court’s May 30 ruling came in response to pleas opposing a notification that planned to conduct NEET-PG in two shifts, which the petitioners argued could result in unfairness and discrepancies. Advocates including Sukriti Bhatnagar and Tanvi Dubey had represented various petitioners in the case.
The NBE, responsible for postgraduate and postdoctoral medical exams across India, was directed by the court to maintain transparency and ensure the identification of secure centers while adhering strictly to the single-shift mandate.
(Inputs By Sambhav Sharma)
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