NEW DELHI, August 8, 2024 – The Supreme Court of India is set to hear a petition tomorrow seeking postponement of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG) 2024, currently scheduled for August 11. This development comes as over 2 lakh medical aspirants grapple with significant travel challenges due to late allocation of exam centers and growing concerns over exam integrity.
Supreme Court to Review NEET-PG Delay Petition
- Supreme Court to hear NEET-PG postponement plea on August 9, 2024
- Exam center allocations made just 11 days before the test
- Paper leak rumors circulating on social media platforms
- National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) denies leak claims
Petition Highlights NEET-PG Exam Allocation Issues
The petition, filed by Vishal Soren and others, highlights several issues that have thrown candidates’ preparations into disarray:
- Test cities allocated on July 31, 2024
- Specific centers announced on August 8, 2024
- Short notice causing travel difficulties for candidates
- Limited availability of train tickets and skyrocketing airfares complicating travel plans
Dr. Anita Sharma, a NEET-PG aspirant from Jaipur, expressed her frustration: “I’ve been allocated a center in Chennai. With just three days left, train tickets are unavailable, and flight prices have tripled. How are we supposed to manage this?”
Exam Integrity Under Scrutiny
Adding to the logistical woes, social media platforms have been abuzz with claims of a potential paper leak. A post on X (formerly Twitter) by the ALL FMGs ASSOCIATION (AFA) alleged that NEET-PG 2024 exam papers were being sold on Telegram for Rs. 70,000.
“Just look at this, how confidently #NEETPG2024 papers are being sold on telegram. Confidential letters about centers & exam are getting leaked. Exam dates and centers seem to be changing frequently. What’s more upcoming?” the post read, sparking widespread concern among candidates.
In response, the NBEMS issued a strongly worded statement: “Media reports claiming potential leakage of NEET-PG 2024 Examination Paper are false and misleading.” The board emphasized that question papers have not yet been prepared, making leak claims baseless.
Implications of Potential Delay
If the Supreme Court orders a postponement, it could have far-reaching implications:
- Disruption of academic calendars for medical institutions
- Extended preparation time for candidates
- Potential overlap with other competitive exams
- Delay in the start of postgraduate medical courses
Dr. Rajesh Mishra, Dean of a prominent medical college, commented: “While a postponement might ease logistical issues, it could create a domino effect on the entire academic year. We need a balanced approach that considers all stakeholders.”
Legal Considerations
The Supreme Court’s involvement raises several legal questions:
- Can the court intervene in the conduct of national-level examinations?
- What are the legal implications for candidates who may miss the exam due to logistical issues?
- How will the court balance the interests of all stakeholders?
Legal expert Adv. Priya Menon notes, “The Supreme Court’s decision will set a precedent for how such large-scale examination issues are handled in the future. It’s a delicate balance between administrative efficiency and candidates’ rights.”
Public Reaction & Student Concerns
The potential postponement has elicited mixed reactions from the medical community and the public:
- Many students are relieved at the prospect of more preparation time
- Some fear that a delay might prolong their anxiety and uncertainty
- Parents are concerned about additional financial burdens due to extended preparation periods
A quick poll on social media showed that 68% of respondents favored postponement, while 32% preferred the exam to proceed as scheduled.
NEET-PG Faces New Controversy
This is not the first time NEET-PG has faced controversy. In 2021, the exam was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a cascading effect on the academic calendar. The current situation draws parallels to that experience, with many stakeholders hoping for a more streamlined process this time.
What’s Next for NEET-PG Candidates?
As the situation unfolds, candidates are advised to:
- Stay updated through official NBEMS channels
- Continue exam preparation as scheduled
- Be wary of unverified information on social media
- Keep travel documents and arrangements flexible, if possible
- Monitor the Supreme Court proceedings on August 9
Dr. Suresh Kumar, a medical education expert, advises: “Candidates should prepare for both scenarios – exam as scheduled or a potential postponement. Mental preparedness is key in these uncertain times.”
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