The Supreme Court on Friday allowed the National Board of Examinations (NBE)'s petition seeking permission to conduct the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for postgraduate courses (NEET-PG) 2025 on August 3.
A bench comprising Justice PK Mishra and Justice AG Masih, while delivering the order, said, "We are satisfied that the prayer for extension of time to reschedule the exam to August 3, 2025, is bona fide."
"Accordingly, the time allowed by our order dated May 30 is extended, and NBE is permitted to hold the exam on August 3, 2025. No further extension shall be granted," the bench added.
Initially, while hearing NBE's petition, the bench expressed concern over the delay and asked, "Why do you need two months?"
The NBE informed the court that there are approximately 2.5 lakh candidates and around 450 centres. Since the exam is to be held in a single shift, at least 500 centres are required. Identifying centres, arranging security measures, and allowing students to select test centres will take time.
Justice PK Mishra questioned NBE, "You want time till August 3? Why so much time?"
Justice AG Masih added, "You haven't started the process even though the order was passed on May 30. What have you done since then? This is causing unnecessary delay. Why do you need two months?"
Justice Masih further expressed concern about the time being sought.
The NBE responded that TCS, their technical partner, could explain the situation.
Justice Masih remarked, "Unfortunately for you, we know how TCS works. Students are studying, and admissions will be delayed."
However, both the Centre and NBE maintained that more time was necessary to conduct the examination in a single shift. Ultimately, the Supreme Court allowed their request.
On May 30, the Supreme Court had ordered NBE to conduct the examination in one shift instead of two.
Subsequently, NBE filed an application citing practical and technical difficulties in conducting the NEET PG examination in a single shift on June 15.
NBE informed the top court that TCS, the technical partner for conducting the examination, stated August 3 as the earliest possible date to hold NEET PG in a single shift.
