New Delhi, 15/08/2024 — The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea challenging the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) decision not to conduct the NEET-Super Speciality (NEET-SS) examination this year. The court found the postponement to be “fairly equitable” and not “arbitrary,” rejecting the petition filed by a group of doctors.
Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, who led the bench, directed the NMC to finalize and release the schedule for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Super Speciality (NEET-SS) for early next year. The NMC has been given 30 days to publish the new exam schedule.
Why NEET-SS Was Postponed
The NMC defended its decision by citing the delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed the start of postgraduate medical courses from 2021 to 2022. These courses are now expected to conclude in January 2025. Holding the NEET-SS this year would prevent these students from participating, depriving them of the opportunity to compete.
The NMC also pointed out that about 40% of NEET-SS candidates each year come from the current batch of postgraduate medical students. Conducting the exam this year would lead to two batches competing for the same seats in the NEET-SS 2025 exam, creating an unfair situation.
Supreme Court’s Rationale
The Supreme Court noted that the petitioners, who have previously appeared for the NEET-SS exam, would not face significant prejudice due to the postponement. In contrast, holding the exam this year could disadvantage students who will graduate in January 2025, as they would miss the chance to take the NEET-SS.
“There may be an element of hardship for the petitioners, but hardship must be balanced in light of the NMC affidavit,” the court stated, underscoring that the NMC’s decision was “fairly equitable” and could not be deemed arbitrary.
Background and Future Implications
On July 19, the Supreme Court had issued a notice to the NMC in response to a plea filed by 13 doctors, including Dr. Rahul Balwan, challenging the NMC’s decision to defer the NEET-SS exam.
NEET-SS is a key examination for doctors with postgraduate degrees such as MD, MS, DNB, or equivalent qualifications, seeking admission to super-speciality courses. Current reports suggest that the NEET-SS exam is now likely to be conducted in January 2025.
For updates on the NEET-SS schedule and other critical news, stay connected with Sampadak Express.
