In a significant development affecting over 2.5 lakh medical aspirants, the Supreme Court on Friday, May 30 directed the authorities to conduct the NEET PG 2025 examination in a single shift, observing that the existing two-shift model creates "arbitrariness" and denies a level playing field to candidates.
A Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sanjay Kumar, and Justice NK Anjaria rejected the defence put forth by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and the Centre, which argued that the online nature of the exam and infrastructural limitations necessitated the use of two shifts.
"The question papers in the two shifts can never be of the same difficulty level," the Bench noted, adding that normalisation of scores, a method applied to equate results across shifts, could not be used as a routine mechanism. “It may be used in exceptional circumstances, but not year after year.”
The Court underscored that the stream allocation, such as Radiology or Gynaecology, hinges on mere marks, and even a one-mark difference could affect a student’s future prospects and university placement.
When the examining body insisted that online exams require infrastructure like high-speed internet and secure centres, the Court countered that technological advancements across the country make it possible to hold the exam in one shift. "We are not ready to accept that the examining body could not find enough centres," the judges observed.
The Bench also pointed out that malpractice concerns cannot be the sole justification for online two-shift exams. It cited that undergraduate NEET exams, despite a much larger candidate pool, are still conducted in a single handwritten session.
On the timeline issue raised by the government, the Court was firm: “Don't give such threats that the whole year will go,” Justice Nath said. The Court directed the authorities to identify additional centres within the next two weeks to ensure that the June 15, 2025, exam can be conducted in a single, uniform sitting.
Another concern raised by petitioners regarding the non-disclosure of answer sheets and question papers despite court orders was acknowledged, but the Court clarified that it would not examine that issue at this stage.
The verdict is expected to prompt urgent logistical re-planning by the examination authorities, who now face a tight deadline to revise their arrangements. The Court has also emphasized the need for transparency and fairness, asking the respondents to ensure secure centres and full disclosure going forward.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
