On a matter that could impact the futures of thousands of young doctors in India, the Supreme Court of India has issued notices to the Union Government, the National Medical Commission (NMC), and the National Board of Examinations (NBE). The court’s intervention comes in response to a petition filed by the United Doctors Front (UDF) challenging the decision to conduct the NEET PG 2025 exam in two separate shifts.
The case, which was heard by a bench led by Justice BR Gavai, reflects a growing concern among medical aspirants regarding the fairness and uniformity of competitive exams that determine their career paths.
The Heart of the Petition: One Exam, Two Shifts, Many Questions
At the core of the UDF’s plea lies a simple but powerful argument — “equal exam, equal opportunity.” The petition highlights that conducting the NEET PG 2025 examination in two different shifts could lead to variations in difficulty levels, potentially affecting the ranks and future opportunities of students.
“It is unjust to evaluate students on different question papers and then normalize scores using formulas. We are talking about future doctors. The exam must reflect fairness,” the UDF stated.
In a country where one mark can decide not just a seat but a specialty, students argue that such a system undermines their months, if not years, of rigorous preparation.
Growing Voices from the Medical Community
The UDF, supported by thousands of medical students and professionals, raised this concern after NBE announced the two-shift format, citing administrative feasibility. However, aspirants and medical professionals see this as a compromise on transparency and equality.
Social media platforms have seen a surge in hashtags like #NEETPG2025, #JusticeForDoctors, and #OneShiftOneExam, with students expressing frustration, confusion, and emotional exhaustion.
“We already study under immense pressure. Why are we asked to accept uncertainty in the very exam that shapes our career?” tweeted one aspirant.
Legal Battle Ahead: What’s Next?
Justice BR Gavai’s bench has taken the matter seriously and listed it for further hearing. The Court has sought responses from the Centre, NMC, and NBE, giving them a chance to explain the rationale behind conducting the exam in two shifts and how normalization of scores would be implemented.
This legal process now brings hope to many who believe the judiciary might protect their right to a level playing field.
“This isn’t just about logistics; it’s about lives, futures, and trust in the system,” said Dr. Priya Menon, spokesperson for the UDF.
Historical Context: Normalization and Its Pitfalls
Normalization — the process of adjusting scores to account for difficulty variations — has been controversial in Indian competitive exams for years. While statistical models attempt to bring parity, many argue it fails to recognize the psychological and performance impacts that different paper difficulties can cause.
Previous exams like JEE Main and CUET have also faced similar criticism. Yet, the stakes in NEET PG are uniquely high, as the exam determines who gets into critical specialties like surgery, medicine, pediatrics, and gynecology.
Human Impact: More Than Just Numbers
Behind every exam score is a student’s story — sleepless nights, financial sacrifices, and a family’s dreams. The UDF’s plea highlights that medical education is not just about numbers, but about nurturing a future generation of compassionate and competent doctors.
Students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, in particular, express concern that the complexities of the normalization formula are often not clearly explained, leading to confusion and mistrust.
“We want to be doctors, not mathematicians decoding percentile formulas,” one student remarked.
Call for Reform and Transparency
This legal intervention could open the door for broader reforms in how entrance exams are conducted in India. Experts advocate for:
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Single-shift exams for high-stakes tests
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Transparent normalization methods
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Wider stakeholder consultation before exam pattern changes
Educational integrity, particularly in the medical field, must go hand-in-hand with logistical efficiency.
