The Supreme Court of India has mandated that the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG) 2025 be conducted in a single shift, reversing the previously announced two-shift format.
This decision comes after widespread concerns from medical aspirants and professionals about the fairness and transparency of the examination process.
Background of the Case
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) had initially scheduled the NEET-PG 2025 exam for June 15, 2025, to be held in two separate shifts. However, this decision faced criticism from various quarters, including the United Doctors Front (UDF), which filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the two-shift format. The petitioners argued that conducting the exam in multiple shifts could lead to variations in the difficulty levels of question papers, potentially disadvantaging candidates in one shift over another. They contended that such disparities violated the principles of fairness and equality guaranteed under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
Court’s Ruling
After hearing the petition, a bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan directed that the NEET-PG 2025 examination be conducted in a single shift. The court emphasized the need for uniformity in the examination process to ensure equal opportunity for all candidates. The decision is expected to alleviate concerns regarding the normalization process and provide a level playing field for all aspirants.
Reactions to the Decision
The ruling has been welcomed by various medical bodies and aspirants who had raised concerns about the two-shift format. Many believe that conducting the exam in a single shift will enhance transparency and reduce the potential for discrepancies in evaluation.
The NBEMS is now expected to revise its examination schedule and logistics to accommodate the single-shift format.
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