NEET PG 2025 Rescheduled to August 3: Supreme Court Approves Single-Shift Exam

The Supreme Court of India approved the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) request to reschedule the NEET PG 2025 examination to August 3, 2025, to be conducted in a single shift from 9 AM to 12:30 PM. The decision, delivered by Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Augustine George Masih, followed the court’s rejection of a proposed two-shift format for the original June 15 date, which was deemed arbitrary due to potential inconsistencies in question difficulty.

NEET PG Exam Rescheduled

This ruling addresses concerns raised by petitioners, including the United Doctors Front, and ensures fairness for over 2.42 lakh medical aspirants vying for postgraduate seats. The single-shift format, supported by logistical arrangements from Tata Consultancy Services, marks a significant step toward transparency in one of India’s most competitive exams.

Court’s Rationale and NBEMS Response

The Supreme Court’s decision stemmed from concerns over the two-shift format, which risked uneven question difficulty and compromised fairness. Petitioners argued that the format, proposed to accommodate logistical constraints, could disadvantage candidates in one shift. The court agreed, directing NBEMS to conduct the exam in a single session to ensure uniformity. NBEMS, in response, proposed August 3 as the earliest feasible date, citing the need to secure over 1,000 test centers across India for the computer-based exam. The agency, backed by TCS, assured the court of robust arrangements, including secure question paper delivery and real-time monitoring to prevent malpractices.

NEET PG to be held on August 3rd

The ruling has been welcomed by aspirants, who faced uncertainty after multiple postponements, including a delay from March 2025 due to administrative issues. The court also emphasized timely counseling to align with the academic calendar, easing concerns about delays in postgraduate admissions.

Implications for Aspirants

For the 2.42 lakh NEET PG aspirants, the rescheduling to August 3 provides clarity and additional preparation time. The single-shift format addresses fairness concerns, ensuring all candidates face the same question paper, reducing discrepancies in scoring. However, the delay has sparked mixed reactions, with some students expressing frustration over extended waiting periods, while others appreciate the focus on transparency. Medical bodies like the Indian Medical Association have praised the court’s intervention, urging NBEMS to expedite results and counseling. Aspirants are advised to use the interim period to refine their preparation, focusing on high-yield topics in medicine, surgery, and allied subjects. The decision reinforces the judiciary’s role in safeguarding the integrity of critical exams, setting a precedent for future testing protocols.