Why is the SC Reviewing the Plea Against Two-Shift NEET PG 2025 Exam?

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Why is the SC Reviewing the Plea Against Two-Shift NEET PG 2025 Exam?

Synopsis

The Supreme Court's decision to review the United Doctors Front's plea against the two-shift NEET PG 2025 exam raises significant questions about fairness and transparency in medical examinations in India. This case could reshape the future of postgraduate medical education.

Key Takeaways

  • Supreme Court to review NEET PG 2025 petition.
  • UDF challenges two-shift exam format.
  • Petition argues for fair evaluation standards.
  • Concerns raised over transparency of normalization methods.
  • Potential impact on future medical education practices.

New Delhi, May 5 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has decided to review a petition lodged by the United Doctors Front (UDF) that contests the National Board of Examinations (NBE) plan to hold the NEET PG 2025 examination in two shifts.

The petition requests that the exam be conducted in a single, uniform session nationwide.

While issuing a notice, a bench consisting of Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan called for responses from the Centre, NBE, and the National Medical Commission (NMC), scheduling the case for further hearing next week.

Filed by advocate Satyam Singh Rajput, the plea argues that conducting the NEET PG in two shifts with different question papers results in significant discrepancies in difficulty levels, thereby exposing candidates to unequal evaluation standards.

"This infringes upon Article 14 and Article 21 of the Constitution, which ensure equality before the law and the right to a fair opportunity," it contended.

The petition also criticized the statistical normalization process used by NBE for its lack of transparency, public input, and expert evaluation, claiming that it is based on the inaccurate assumption that the difficulty levels across shifts and candidate abilities are uniform.

It seeks the Supreme Court's intervention to mandate a single session for NEET PG 2025 and additionally requests a temporary stay on the exam slated for June 15.

Several petitions were previously filed regarding the NEET PG 2024, which was also administered in two shifts, questioning the transparency in the examination process.

“The right to pursue postgraduate medical education is integral to the right to livelihood and dignity under Article 21. Employing inconsistent and unverified methods erodes the selection process, leading to the unfair exclusion of deserving candidates," the petition emphasized.

Similar concerns were raised by NEET-PG aspirants regarding the NBE's failure to disclose question papers, answer keys, or candidates' response sheets, along with objections to the introduction of two shifts, the normalization method, and alterations in tie-breaking criteria.

Point of View

The Supreme Court's consideration of the United Doctors Front's petition underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining fairness and transparency in India’s medical examination processes. It reflects a broader concern regarding equal opportunities for all candidates.
NationPress
26/07/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NEET PG exam?
The NEET PG exam is a national-level entrance test for postgraduate medical courses in India, conducted by the National Board of Examinations.
Why is the two-shift format controversial?
The two-shift format is criticized for potentially leading to unequal difficulty levels and unfair evaluations among candidates.
What are the constitutional articles involved?
The plea cites Article 14, which ensures equality before the law, and Article 21, which guarantees the right to fair opportunity.
What does the petition seek?
The petition calls for conducting the NEET PG 2025 in a single session and requests an interim stay on the scheduled examination.
How does this case impact medical education in India?
The outcome of this case could influence the transparency and fairness of medical entrance examinations, affecting many aspiring doctors.