The Supreme Court on Friday permitted the National Board of Examinations (NBE) to conduct the NEET-PG 2025 examination on August 3 in a single shift, following its earlier direction for a uniform exam schedule to avoid arbitrariness.

A bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Augustine George Masih observed that while the NBE initially sought over two months to organize the examination, its request appeared “bonafide.” However, the top court made it clear that no further extensions will be granted.

The NEET-PG exam was initially slated for June 15. Following the court’s May 30 order mandating a single-shift exam across the country, the NBE cited logistical constraints and coordination with its technology partner Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS) as the reasons for rescheduling.

In its plea, the NBE informed the court that over 1,000 technology-compliant and secure examination centres are required to accommodate approximately 2.70 lakh candidates, including buffer arrangements. The board emphasized that August 3 is the earliest feasible date offered by TCS for conducting the exam nationwide in a synchronized manner.

During the hearing, the bench questioned the lengthy delay, pointing out that students had already prepared extensively and any postponement would adversely impact the medical admission timeline.

Justice Masih remarked, “We know how TCS works. They have extensive experience in managing large-scale exams. Finding appropriate centres should not be an issue.”

Additional solicitor general K M Nataraj, appearing for the NBE, argued that the sensitive nature of the national-level test required meticulous arrangements to ensure a glitch-free and secure exam.

The NBE also noted that it is concurrently responsible for conducting several other exams, including those for Indian Railways, banking, and regional recruitment processes, further stretching its operational bandwidth.

In line with the May 30 ruling, the Supreme Court reiterated that NEET-PG 2025 must be held in one shift only to ensure transparency, avoid disparities, and maintain the integrity of the selection process.

The petitioners, represented by advocates including Sukriti Bhatnagar and Tanvi Dubey, had earlier challenged the notification for conducting the exam in multiple shifts, which the court agreed could lead to “arbitrariness.”

The NEET-PG 2025 exam will now be conducted on August 3 from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, across India in a single shift.

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