New Delhi: Thousands of medical aspirants across India are on edge as the eagerly awaited NEET PG 2025 counselling schedule remains in limbo, with the Supreme Court deferring a crucial hearing on exam transparency to next week.
Originally set for September 5, the hearing pertains to a petition demanding the release of full question papers and answer keys for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG) 2025, conducted on August 3.
The delay has heightened anxiety among candidates, who are now pinning their hopes on the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) to release the schedule soon for the 50% All India Quota (AIQ) seats.
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) announced the NEET PG 2025 results on August 19, with Pooshan Mahapatra clinching the top rank. However, the absence of a clear counselling timeline, coupled with an ongoing legal battle over transparency, has left aspirants frustrated. The Supreme Court’s decision to postpone the hearing has further complicated matters, raising questions about the examination process and its impact on admissions to postgraduate medical courses across India’s medical colleges.
The Transparency Controversy
This year’s NEET PG examination witnessed significant changes, driven by legal and public scrutiny. Initially, the NBEMS planned to conduct the exam in two shifts, which would have required score normalisation — a process to standardise marks across different question sets. However, following Supreme Court intervention, the exam was held in a single shift on August 3, eliminating the need for normalisation. This move was widely welcomed, but a fresh controversy erupted when the NBEMS announced it would release only question IDs, not the full question papers or answer keys, marking a departure from its earlier promise of complete transparency.
Aspirants, backed by student associations, filed a petition in the Supreme Court, arguing that releasing only question IDs defeats the purpose of an answer key, as candidates cannot verify their responses without access to the full questions. During the hearing, the court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, questioned the petitioners’ claims, asking, “Why do you believe there’s a lack of transparency? Is it because you scored less than expected?” The bench also cautioned against the misuse of Article 32 to demand answer keys, noting that such petitions often exploit judicial processes. In response, the petitioners contended that transparency is compromised without access to complete question papers, urging the court to ensure accountability.
The postponement of the hearing, now scheduled for next week, has left candidates in a state of uncertainty, with many taking to social media platforms like X to voice their concerns. “We’ve been waiting for counselling to start, but this delay is unfair. How long must we wait?” tweeted Dr. Priya Sharma, an aspirant from Lucknow.
Counselling Schedule: What To Expect
Despite the legal hiccup, the MCC is expected to release the NEET PG 2025 counselling schedule soon for the 50% AIQ seats, which cover MD, MS, and PG Diploma courses across India’s medical colleges. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has clarified that colleges need not reapply for seat recognition but must submit annual reports and fee details, streamlining the process. Based on trends from previous years, counselling is likely to commence in late September, with registration, choice filling, and seat allotment expected to conclude by November. The MCC’s website, mcc.nic.in, will host the official schedule, detailing key dates for each round, including Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up, and Stray Vacancy rounds.
In 2024, the MCC conducted counselling in four rounds, with Round 1 registration closing on November 17 and classes commencing on December 20. Aspirants are advised to monitor the MCC portal and prepare documents like NEET PG scorecards, MBBS degrees, and reservation certificates to ensure a smooth process.
Karnataka’s Strict Service Bond Policy
Adding to the stakes, Karnataka has introduced stringent service bond requirements for NEET PG aspirants. Students admitted to government or AIQ seats in the state’s medical colleges must serve one year in government hospitals post-course completion. For certain specialities, a three-year service bond is mandatory, with penalties of up to ₹18 lakh for non-compliance. This policy, aimed at addressing doctor shortages in public healthcare, has sparked mixed reactions, with some students welcoming the opportunity and others wary of the financial implications.
A Call For Clarity And Action
As the Supreme Court prepares to revisit the transparency petition, aspirants are urging swift resolution to avoid further delays in the counselling process. The NEET PG, a gateway to 26,168 MD, 13,649 MS, and 922 PG Diploma seats, is a critical milestone for India’s medical graduates. With the academic calendar already under pressure, any further postponement could disrupt admissions and training schedules.
For now, candidates are advised to stay updated via the MCC and NBEMS websites and prepare for counselling by ensuring their documents are in order. As the legal battle unfolds, the medical community hopes for a resolution that balances transparency with timely access to postgraduate opportunities, ensuring India’s future doctors can begin their journeys without delay.