In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a plea challenging the National Board of Examinations’ (NBE) decision to conduct the NEET-PG 2025 examination in two separate shifts. The postgraduate medical entrance exam is scheduled for June 15, to be conducted on a computer-based platform, and after the successful completion of the exam, the NTA is expected to announce the NEET PG Result 2025 by July 15.
Petition Highlights Concerns Over Unequal Difficulty Levels
The plea, filed by Aditi and others, raises critical concerns over the fairness of holding the exam in two shifts. The petitioners argue that differences in difficulty levels between the two shifts can lead to unfair advantages or disadvantages, affecting the merit rankings. They are demanding that the NBE conduct the exam in a single shift, ensuring a level playing field for all candidates.
A Bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih took note of the petition on Monday, May 26. During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer highlighted the urgency of the matter, as the admit cards are set to be released on June 2, leaving little time for any last-minute changes.
On May 23, the Bench had earlier indicated the matter would be heard the following week, but it was not listed. The lawyer pointed this out again on Monday, prompting the CJI to assure that it will be heard “in a day or two.”
Top Court Previously Sought Government Response
This matter was first raised on May 5, 2025, when the Court sought responses from the National Medical Council (NMC), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the NBE. The petitioners are hoping the Court will intervene to protect the integrity and fairness of the exam process.
The development follows a recent Supreme Court verdict aimed at cleaning up the NEET-PG counselling process. The Court had directed authorities to stop seat-blocking practices and ordered the release of raw scores, answer keys, and the normalisation formula for transparency.
Awaiting a Crucial Decision
With the NEET PG 2025 exam date fast approaching, thousands of medical aspirants await the Court’s decision. A ruling in favor of a single shift could set a new benchmark for exam fairness and transparency in competitive tests across the country.