0
0
June 8, 2025
The recent Supreme Court decision to postpone the NEET PG examination from June 15 to August 3, 2025, has plunged thousands of aspiring postgraduate doctors into a state of financial and psychological turmoil. While the move to conduct the exam in a single shift has been widely welcomed for its transparency, the two-month delay has left many medical professionals in a precarious position—caught between lost jobs, mounting expenses, and uncertain futures.
The Resignation Trap
Many NEET PG aspirants had resigned from their jobs or taken extended leaves to focus on exam preparation. Now, with the exam delayed, they find themselves unable to return to their previous positions and struggling to secure temporary employment. Dr. Amit Vyas, State President of the United Doctors Front (UDF) Haryana, highlighted the widespread impact:
“Those who were working in private hospitals and left their jobs one or two months before the June 15 exam are now confused. There is a financial burden on those living away from their families in big cities like Delhi, where they need to pay rent and coaching fees.”
Hospitals are generally unwilling to offer short-term employment, leaving doctors with few options for income during this extended waiting period.
The Employment Deadlock
The situation is equally grim for fresh graduates. Dr. Shubh Pratap Solanki, a NEET PG aspirant, described how government hospitals require Delhi Medical Council (DMC) registration—which has been suspended since March—forcing many to work without pay.
“They have been working for three months without receiving a single penny. They are essentially doing unpaid work,” Dr. Solanki said.
Private hospitals are also reluctant to hire candidates for just two months, and those who do find work often face long hours and low pay.
“Private hospitals pay only Rs 50,000 to 55,000 maximum to MBBS doctors while demanding more than 60 hours per week,” he added.
Survival Strategies
With formal employment options scarce, many doctors have turned to locum duties—temporary shifts that pay by the hour.
“If I work a locum shift at 400 rupees per hour for 24 hours, I earn Rs 10,000 in one day. At least I can survive in a city like Delhi,” Dr. Solanki explained.
However, these shifts offer no job security or benefits, and doctors must constantly search for new opportunities.
Broken Momentum, Shattered Plans
The postponement has also taken a psychological toll. Dr. Ritu Antil from Sonipat, Haryana, who left her job to focus on studies, described the loss of momentum:
“The momentum I had before the postponement, when I was completing two subjects per day, completely crashed.”
The uncertainty led to widespread anxiety among aspirants, with some even giving up on this year’s attempt altogether.
Systemic Impact and Looking Ahead
Dr. Arun Kumar, General Secretary of UDF, emphasized that the crisis extends beyond individuals, affecting the broader healthcare system.
“Everyone is queuing for jobs, and when market demand is low and doctors are available, they will receive lower salaries than what they were previously getting from the same institutions.”
The postponement has created a vicious cycle—desperate doctors accepting lower wages, further eroding working conditions in the medical sector.
Dr. Vyas warned that further delays are possible, citing last year’s trends, and that the counseling process could drag on, prolonging the uncertainty.
Conclusion
While the Supreme Court’s decision to ensure a fair and transparent exam process has been lauded, the immediate financial and psychological stress on thousands of medical professionals underscores the need for better coordination and support systems during such transitions. As the new exam date approaches, the medical community continues to juggle survival and preparation, highlighting the urgent need for policy reforms to safeguard the welfare of healthcare workers.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by EdexLive on June 7, 2025. The details reflect the situation as described by affected medical professionals and may be subject to change. Readers are advised to verify information and consult official sources for updates regarding NEET PG and related employment policies.
