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The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET-PG) 2025, originally scheduled for June 15, has been postponed to an unspecified later date, a move that has not surprised much of India’s medical community or the aspirants themselves. The decision follows a series of dramatic changes and controversies surrounding the exam over the past year and a half, including format changes, legal interventions, and logistical challenges.
A Tumultuous Year for NEET-PG
NEET-PG has faced significant turbulence recently. Last year, the exam was postponed twice amid a paper leak controversy affecting its undergraduate counterpart. The format was then changed to a two-shift exam, a move that was unpopular among candidates. For 2025, the two-shift format was retained until the Supreme Court of India intervened on May 30, 2025, ordering a return to the traditional single-shift format.
Experts: Postponement Was “Inevitable”
Medical experts and exam counsellors say the postponement was expected. Dr. Dhruv Chauhan, medical activist and National Spokesperson for the Indian Medical Association-Junior Doctors’ Network (IMA-JDN), explained, “Several of us realised that the postponement was inevitable when the Supreme Court ordered a single shift. We didn’t voice it out because we didn’t want to speculate and cause panic among the aspirants. But we did see it coming.” According to Dr. Chauhan, it would have been impossible for the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) to overhaul the exam format and logistics in just 15 days.
Rakesh Jain, NEET-PG counsellor and founder of NEET Navigator, echoed this sentiment, stating that since the Supreme Court order must be followed, postponement was unavoidable. Jain also suggested that the Supreme Court might have anticipated the need for a delay when issuing its directive.
Impact on Medical Education and Healthcare
The delay in NEET-PG 2025 is expected to disrupt the academic calendar, with ripple effects throughout the medical system. Dr. Chauhan warned that delayed admissions would mean the incoming batch of postgraduates would begin their internships later, adding pressure on resident doctors and hospital staffing. However, he also expressed optimism that with more time to prepare, NBEMS could ensure the exam is conducted smoothly this year.
Jain pointed out that the postponement offers aspirants more time to prepare, but also called for NBEMS to reflect on its management practices. He noted that while disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic were understandable, ongoing issues now suggest a deeper internal crisis within the exam board.
When Will NEET-PG 2025 Be Held?
As for the new exam date, Dr. Chauhan believes NEET-PG 2025 is unlikely to be conducted before August.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information reported by Edex Live as of June 2, 2025. The situation regarding NEET-PG 2025 is evolving, and official updates from the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) and other authorities should be consulted for the latest information1.
