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In a development that has left many NEET-UG 2025 aspirants from Madhya Pradesh feeling dejected, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by 75 students who appeared for the medical entrance exam in challenging conditions caused by a state-wide power outage.
Background: Exam in Darkness
On May 4, 2025, these 75 candidates faced an almost hour-long power cut while taking the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) at various centers across Madhya Pradesh. Many centers reportedly had no electricity backup, forcing students to take the crucial exam either in darkness or by candlelight. The affected students and their parents argued that the National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting NEET-UG, failed to ensure basic exam conditions, which severely hampered their performance.
Legal Battle Ends in Supreme Court
Initially, the petitioners approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which issued a stay on their results and directed the NTA to reconduct the exam for them. However, this directive was overturned by a division bench of the MP High Court. The students then escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking a re-examination due to the exceptional circumstances.
On Friday, a Supreme Court bench consisting of Justices PS Narasimha and AS Chandurkar rejected the petition, stating that they could not intervene on behalf of individual cases. Upholding the MP High Court’s ruling, the bench cautioned the petitioners’ counsel against giving students “unnecessary hopes” and instructed the NTA to allow the affected students to register for counselling, subject to eligibility.
Aspirants and Parents Voice Disappointment
The Supreme Court’s decision has left the 75 students and their families heartbroken. According to parents, the court did not dispute the occurrence or impact of the power cut, but declined to provide any relief.
“We hoped that the courts would come to our rescue, alas, that was not the case. We placed our trust in the Supreme Court, but that trust stands broken now,” said Ashutosh, a parent and one of the petitioners.
Some parents believe the verdict exposes a systemic disregard for students in India’s examination system. Deepa, another parent, questioned if the outcome would have been different had more students been affected or if children of officials were involved.
A Blow to Students’ Confidence
The verdict has had a visible impact on the petitioners, many of whom now feel hopeless about their prospects. Parents report heightened anxiety and despondency among their children, made worse by the uncertainty over the admissions process.
“Our children were not stupid, nor did they fail to prepare well. Their exam performance was hampered due to factors out of their control. How can they mark the right answers in the dark if they cannot see the questions properly?” Deepa asked.
As per the court’s direction, the aspirants are allowed to participate in counselling, but with their performance marred by exam-day disruptions, admission remains uncertain. Many now face potentially losing out on a year and are considering retaking the exam next year.
Concerns Over NTA’s Credibility
Beyond the immediate fate of these 75 students, the episode has led to a broader erosion of trust in the NTA. Parents worry whether such issues could repeat in future exams and question the accountability measures in place.
“If something like this happens during her attempt next year, too, who will provide her relief?” Deepa wondered.
For now, families have resigned themselves to fate, with hopes dimmed and trust in the system shaken.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information reported by EdexLive and reflects the perspectives of affected students and their families. Names have been changed to protect anonymity. The article does not intend to assign legal culpability or make determinative statements on the proceedings.
