Kolkata, June 5: The indefinite postponement of the NEET PG 2025 exam has reignited anxiety and frustration among thousands of medical aspirants across India. Following a Supreme Court directive to ensure fairness in examination standards, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) deferred the exam — initially scheduled for June 15 — with no fresh date announced.
While the move aimed to address concerns over multi-shift inconsistencies, it has inadvertently dealt a blow to student morale and mental health, especially among repeat candidates. Several aspirants, speaking to The Telegraph Online, described the delay as more than just a logistical disruption — calling it a “psychological trigger” rooted in a pattern of administrative unpredictability.
“This isn’t the first time. Last year, too, the exam was postponed multiple times,” said a second-time NEET PG candidate from Burdwan Medical College. “We are mentally prepared for delays, but it’s the lack of accountability that’s painful.”
The Supreme Court’s May 30 order emphasized the need for a single-shift exam to prevent unfair advantages. However, the lack of preparedness in implementing the directive has cast doubts on the system’s efficiency.
“If fairness was the goal, then better planning should’ve been in place,” said a student from Calcutta Medical College. “Sudden postponement derails our routines and builds unnecessary stress.”
Many students expressed fear that history would repeat itself — abrupt decisions, no timely communication, and the emotional toll of being in academic limbo.
“Every year, it feels like déjà vu. First, there’s a date. Then a delay. And no one tells us what to expect,” said a third-year MBBS student from Midnapore Medical College. “The board must understand — postponing an exam isn’t just a scheduling issue; it deeply impacts our preparation and our lives.”
Though NBEMS has sought permission from the Supreme Court to conduct NEET PG on August 3, the uncertainty persists. Until the date is confirmed, lakhs of aspirants continue their preparation with shaky motivation.
“This exam decides our future, our specialisation, our next five years,” said another aspirant hoping for a surgical seat. “Delays affect not just studies but also personal timelines — marriages, jobs, even mental health treatment for some.”
Repeat candidates feel the brunt more than fresh graduates.
“For first-timers, delays may mean more time. But for us, who’ve already invested one or two years, it’s a setback. Our momentum breaks, our focus wavers,” said a postgraduate hopeful from Burdwan.
Moreover, limited alternatives in India make NEET PG a do-or-die test for many.
“Apart from AIIMS or INICET, there are hardly any options unless we look abroad,” said a student considering USMLE. “But that’s not viable for everyone — it’s expensive, time-consuming, and even more competitive.”
Frustration is now giving way to anger, with student organisations planning peaceful protests and online campaigns demanding timely decisions, transparent communication, and accountability.
“There’s no excuse in 2025 for this kind of mismanagement,” said an activist from a student medical union. “Lakhs of students suffer silently. What they need is clarity — not confusion.”
Students also expressed concerns about trust erosion in national examination bodies like NBEMS and NTA.
“They need to rebuild credibility,” said a final-year student from a government medical college. “If our doctors-in-making are mentally drained before they even step into service, it’s a loss for the nation.”
From growing calls for:
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Reforms in entrance exam systems
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Mental health counselling
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Buffer periods for preparation
…the NEET PG 2025 delay has ignited a broader debate on the academic environment in India.
