New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday permitted the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBE) to defer the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Post Graduate (NEET-PG) exam to August 3 from June 15. The top court, however, flagged concerns over NBE’s request for a two-month postponement before allowing it.
A division bench comprising Justices P.K. Mishra and Augustine George Masih said, “We are satisfied that the prayer for extension of time to reschedule the exam to August 3, 2025, is bona fide.” The bench accepted the reasons given by NBE as genuine.
Before passing the order, the bench expressed concern over the delay and asked counsel for NBE, “Why do you need two months?”
In response, NBE apprised the bench 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 needed. Identifying centres, arranging security, and allowing students to select centres will take time, the NBE added.
Speaking for the bench, Justice Mishra asked, “You want time till August 3? Why so much time?”
Justice 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?”
The NBE responded that their technical partner TCS could better explain the situation. Justice Masih observed, “Unfortunately for you, we know how TCS works. Students are studying, and admissions will be delayed.”
Despite the concerns, both the Centre and the NBE maintained that more time was needed to conduct the exam in a single shift. The top court eventually allowed the request, permitting the exam to be held on August 3, while making it clear that “no further extension shall be granted.”
