0
0
As the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG) 2025 draws near, candidates across India are intensifying their preparations, even as uncertainty looms over the exam format. The Supreme Court is currently hearing petitions regarding the conduct of the exam in two shifts, with students and stakeholders voicing concerns about transparency, fairness, and the release of question papers and answer keys.
Supreme Court Hearing Spurs Debate
With NEET-PG 2025 scheduled for June 15, several petitioners have approached the Supreme Court, demanding that the exam be held in a single shift. Their main argument is that a single shift would ensure a uniform question paper for all candidates, eliminating the need for the controversial normalisation process used to equate scores across multiple shifts.
Yukta, an aspirant from Visakhapatnam, echoed this sentiment:
“NEET-PG exam should be conducted in one shift as there will be only one question paper equally distributed to everyone which requires no normalisation of marks.”
However, not all candidates share this view. Vardhan, another NEET-PG hopeful, supports the current two-shift system, citing the massive number of aspirants and logistical challenges:
“Supreme Court has taken the right decision. As there is a huge competition for NEET-PG, the exam should be conducted in two shifts.”
Understanding the Scoring and Normalisation Process
NEET-PG is widely regarded as one of the toughest medical entrance exams in India. The test comprises 200 questions, each carrying 4 marks, with a penalty of 1 mark for every incorrect answer. After calculating the raw scores, these are converted into percentiles-a process that has sparked debate among candidates.
The normalisation process ensures that the highest scorer in each shift receives a 100 percentile, representing their performance relative to other candidates. While some, like Yukta, believe that percentile-based ranking is the fairest approach, others, like Vardhan, argue that it can lead to discrepancies and unfair rank differences.
Aspirants’ Concerns and Advice
Beyond the exam format, candidates are also anxious about the timely declaration of results and the scheduling of counselling rounds. Yukta highlighted the mental health impact of prolonged waiting periods:
“Being jobless for over 5 months past an exam is nothing but a waste of time and constant postponement of exams really affects the mental health of the candidates.”
As the pressure mounts, aspirants are focusing on their final preparations. Vardhan advises newcomers to prioritize practising multiple-choice questions and mock test series, while Yukta reminds her peers that success in NEET-PG, though important, is not the sole determinant of one’s future.
Awaiting the Verdict
With just weeks to go before the exam, the NEET-PG community remains divided over the best way forward. The Supreme Court’s impending decision is expected to have a significant impact on the conduct of the exam and the future of thousands of medical graduates.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information available as of May 18, 2025, and references reporting from EdexLive. The situation regarding NEET-PG 2025 and related Supreme Court hearings is evolving. For the latest updates and official announcements, candidates are advised to consult the official NBE (National Board of Examinations) website and follow verified news sources.
Citations:
