NEET-PG 2025 to be held on August 3, Supreme Court says no more extensions

The Supreme Court has allowed the National Board of Examinations to conduct NEET-PG 2025 on August 3 in a single shift, accepting its reasoning but warning that no further delay will be permitted.

The Supreme Court of India on Friday allowed the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) to conduct the NEET-PG 2025 exam on August 3, instead of the originally scheduled June 15.

A bench of the Supreme Court accepted the reasons cited by NBE for postponing the exam and for holding it in a single shift, and said it was satisfied that the explanations were bonafide.

One shift, more centres, tech prep needed

The NBE had earlier been ordered by the Court on May 30 to conduct the exam in a single shift to ensure fairness. 

In response, the NBE filed a fresh application asking for extra time to prepare for the change, especially since it would now need twice the number of exam centres and additional technical arrangements.

Appearing before the Court, the NBE’s counsel explained that the new format would require more time to:

• Identify and verify exam centres
• Ensure security protocols
• Coordinate with its technology partner TCS for logistical readiness

The top court agreed, saying, "Respondent No. 1 is permitted to hold the exam on August 3, 2025... No further extension shall be granted."

Petitioners had challenged shift pattern

The Supreme Court was hearing a petition by a group of medical aspirants who opposed the NBE’s earlier decision to hold the exam in two shifts, saying that NEET-PG had traditionally been conducted in a single sitting.

They had also sought greater transparency in the form of question paper and answer sheet disclosures.

Clarity after exam delays in other sectors

This decision brings relief and clarity to thousands of doctors preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate Courses (NEET-PG), a crucial exam for admission to MD, MS, and PG diploma programs in India.

The ruling also comes in the backdrop of growing public concern over the scheduling and conduct of national-level exams, following recent disruptions in various entrance tests across the country.

Final verdict: August 3, no more delay

On June 2, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) had announced NEET PG 2025 exam was postponed. This decision was taken after a Supreme Court order that said the exam should be held in a single shift, instead of two.

Supreme Court’s order today on June 6 ensures that the NEET-PG 2025 will now be held in one single shift on August 3, with no further changes or extensions allowed.

This decision is expected to help maintain transparency and trust in the examination process for India’s future specialist doctors.