Candidates Await New NEET PG 2025 Schedule Amid Examination Format Changes

NEET PG 2025 Exam Delayed to Ensure Standardised Testing Conditions

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has announced the postponement of the NEET PG 2025 examination following a directive from the Supreme Court. The decision was made to comply with the Court’s instruction to conduct the exam in a single shift, ensuring uniformity in testing and eliminating disparities in exam conditions. Originally scheduled for 15 June, the exam will now be rescheduled to allow time for the necessary logistical arrangements. NBEMS stated that additional test centres and infrastructure would be required to accommodate the single-shift format, and the postponement will provide the time needed to implement these adjustments effectively.

In its 30 May order, the Supreme Court, responding to petitions challenging the two-shift format, expressed dissatisfaction with the NBEMS’s claim that organising the exam in a single shift was unfeasible. The Court questioned why, given the country’s technological progress, adequate exam centres could not be arranged to facilitate a uniform examination process. Additionally, it emphasised that conducting the exam in two shifts could lead to inequities, placing candidates in unequal testing conditions.

Last year, due to paper leak incidents and concerns over security, the NBEMS opted to conduct the exam only at the most reliable centres, reducing the number of test locations to approximately 416. Consequently, the exam was held in two shifts, necessitating a normalisation process to address differences in difficulty levels between shifts. However, many candidates criticised the process, arguing that it lacked transparency and could result in unfair rankings, as even a one-mark difference could significantly impact merit positions. The Supreme Court’s directive and the subsequent postponement aim to ensure fairness and consistency in the examination process, offering all candidates an equal opportunity under uniform testing conditions.

Editor’s Note:

The postponement of NEET PG 2025 highlights the ongoing need for transparency and equity in high-stakes exams. The Supreme Court’s directive to conduct the test in a single shift is a step in the right direction, addressing concerns about unequal testing conditions that have frustrated candidates in previous years. Exams that determine career paths should be free from avoidable discrepancies, and standardising the format ensures that all candidates sit for the same test under the same circumstances. However, this delay adds another layer of uncertainty for medical aspirants who have meticulously planned their preparation around the original schedule. While fairness should be prioritised, exam bodies must also be mindful of the stress and logistical challenges students face due to sudden changes. 

Skoobuzz underscores that maintaining integrity in examinations is non-negotiable, but timely communication and efficient execution will be crucial in managing future transitions smoothly.