Demanding NEET PG in Single Shift, Doctors Move Supreme Court

A group of doctors and medical candidates has approached the Supreme Court of India, demanding that the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-PG) should be conducted in a single shift instead of multiple shifts. The petition is filed by the United Doctors Front (UDF), arguing that the current multi-shift format leads to discrepancies in difficulty levels and an unfair normalisation process, which also affects students' chances of securing medical seats.

Concerns Over Multi-Shift NEET PG

The NEET PG is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA)  in multiple shifts due to the large number of applicants. However, candidates and medical professionals argue that this system creates inequality, as different shifts may have varying levels of difficulty. The petitioners claim that the normalization process, which adjusts scores across shifts, lacks transparency and has led to controversies in previous years. Many candidates who appeared in different shifts felt disadvantaged, and also, the level of the exam was comparatively difficult, as per the candidates.

Legal Arguments in the Supreme Court

A group of doctors has filed a petition in the Supreme Court under Article 32 of the Constitution, asking for NEET PG to be held in a single shift. They believe that multiple shifts create unfair differences in difficulty levels, and it also makes it hard for candidates to compete equally in the exams. The petition argues that the system violates the Right to Equality (Article 14) and the Right to Fair Opportunity (Article 21).

Dr. Lakshya Mittal, head of United Doctors Front (UDF), said, “Our petition is in response to overwhelming concerns raised by NEET PG candidates across India. Conducting exams in multiple shifts with different levels of difficulty and applying a normalisation formula without transparency directly impacts the fairness and credibility of the entire process."

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Public Support & Government Response

A recent survey held by the United Doctors Front (UDF) on social media found that 96% of NEET PG candidates support holding the exam should be held in a single shift. Students believe this change will ensure fairness and equal evaluation for all candidates, as multiple shifts often lead to differences in difficulty levels. To address this concern, the petitioners have also written to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, requesting intervention. They request the minister to direct the National Testing Agency to revert to a single-shift format, ensuring that there is transparency and fairness in the medical entrance exam process.

Even though many students are protesting and asking for the NEET PG entrance exam to be held in a single shift, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has not made any changes. As of now, the exam will still take place in two shifts only.

At the same time, a legal complaint has also been filed in the Supreme Court, saying that the NEET PG 2024 exam was not conducted fairly. The case is still waiting for a decision, and students are hoping for a fair and transparent exam process in the future.