Manisha
On 6 June, 2025, the Supreme Court has permitted the National Board of Examinations (NBE) to hold the NEET-PG 2025 examination on August 3, instead of the earlier scheduled date of June 15. A bench comprising Justices P.K. Mishra and A.G. Masih passed the order, stating that the Court was “satisfied that the prayer for extension of time to reschedule the exam to August 3, 2025, is bona fide.” However, the bench made it very clear that this would be the final extension and “no further extension will be granted.”
The NBE approached the Supreme Court seeking an extension due to the logistical and technical hurdles in conducting the exam in a single shift, as mandated by the Court’s earlier order dated May 30. The NBE informed the Court that approximately 2.5 lakh students are expected to appear, and at least 500 well-equipped test centres would be required to accommodate them all in one shift, an increase from the current 450 centres. Moreover, the Board emphasized that more time was essential for finalising centres, deploying enhanced security protocols, and enabling aspirants to select their exam cities.
The bench, although granting the extension, was visibly skeptical about the delay. Justice P.K. Mishra questioned, “You want time till August 3? Why so much time?” Meanwhile, Justice A.G. Masih remarked, “You haven’t started the process even though the order was passed on May 30. This is causing unnecessary delay. Why do you need two months?”
The matter became more critical when the NBE explained that its technical partner, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), required additional time to facilitate a single-shift examination. Expressing discontent, Justice Masih responded bluntly, “Unfortunately for you, we know how TCS works. Students are studying, and admissions will be delayed.”
Despite the stern remarks, the Court acknowledged the practical challenges involved and allowed the rescheduling. The order stems from the Supreme Court’s earlier directive that NEET-PG 2025 must be conducted in a single shift to ensure a level playing field for all candidates. While the revised date brings certainty, it also exposes serious gaps in coordination and preparedness between the examination authority and its technical partners. The Court has now placed full responsibility on NBE and TCS to conduct the examination smoothly, reiterating that this deadline is final.
Bench: Justice P.K. Mishra and Justice A.G. Masih
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